CETAP-Lucy Child Sponsorship Program

CETAP-Lucy, in rural Cuenca, Ecuador, is a program that supplies developmental, psychological and educational support for disadvantaged children. Many of the children who attend CETAP-Lucy have only one parent living at home, or come from homes where acts of domestic violence occur. Most of the children have difficulty in school. It is not unusual in rural schools for a teacher to have fifty students in a classroom. CETAP-Lucy maintains a preschool, an afternoon homework-help program, provides family and individual psychological counseling, speech therapy, and English-language lessons.

In Ecuador, if a child is having difficulty in school, the parent must obtain a diagnosis before the child can be placed in a special program or special school. Unfortunately, these tests generally cost $100 or more, an amount most one-parent families cannot afford. Through donations on GlobalGiving, CETAP-Lucy was able to purchase an expensive diagnostic testing system. Dr. Pablo Tapia, the program’s psychologist , has been able to the tests  to accurately determine the special needs of children and assure they are placed in the most beneficial educational situation. CETAP-Lucy is able to provide this very important community resource for less than $50.

As a result of this, 13-year-old Jenny, who has attended CETAP-Lucy for seven years, received diagnostic proof of her extremely low-IQ and cognitive weaknesses. She will be entering a special school in the fall where she will receive life-skills training as well as other support.

Nine-year-old Erick, who suffers from extreme Attention Deficit Disorder, grew up in a violent household. Through family counseling, his father was convinced to leave the home, and his mother was convinced to allow Erick to take medication, something she had refused to do because of the stigma attached to any kind of mental condition. These interventions have had wonderful effects. Erick recently received his very first 80% test grade, and this has affected his self-esteem. He is eager to do even better next time!

Thanks to your support, CETAP-Lucy is not only able to provide quality services to youth and families in need, but even more than that they are able to become a sustainable organization that can go on to serve its community for many years to come. As members in the CAP program, Hearts of Gold supports CETAP-Lucy to set goals that will make them stronger in the long-term, and reach those goals through private mentoring sessions and educational courses designed for nonprofits.

We are so grateful for your commitment and support for CETAP-Lucy through the Hearts of Gold Foundation!