Mother, teacher, and friend
Nedlande and Guerronki Volcine are siblings who have been sponsored with Joy Foundation (Dominican Republic) since 2021.
I remember the first day I met them. They were smaller than other children their age, and laughed and talked less. Their mother was a single parent, and had no help. It had been a long time since they lost contact with their father who had left to make money in a different country.
After the sponsorship started, we could see changes in both children.
Because of their sponsorship, they received tuition and food support. From day one, I started to see smiles on their faces. Nedlande shared that she loves coming to school. This still brings me great joy.
In June 2022, I heard the sad news that the children's mother had passed away. It was only then that I learned that she had been struggling with health problems. Overnight, Nedlande and Guerronki became orphans. Guerronki, the youngest, didn’t even realize his mother was dead. He just knew she had “gone on a long trip”.
The children went to live with their grandmother and uncle's family, and when I visited them, the children seemed happy to be with their cousins.
I informed the sponsor of the news. At the same time, God provided another sponsor who was able to help the children's uncle with three months of living expenses during the transition. The grandmother and uncle’s family have become real family to the two children.
Despite our concerns, Nedlande and Guerronki are growing well. They continue to get bigger and stronger, and they are doing well in school.
Through the child sponsorship program, I am constantly meeting children like Nedlande and Guerronki. Because of the needs we see, Joy Foundation has many ministries beyond providing education to children. The holistic care provided to the children in the program helps them to grow into adulthood knowing that they are valued and cared for. Until then, Joy Foundation acts as their mother, teacher, and friend.