CETAP-Lucy Child Sponsorship Program

At the beginning of the COVID lockdown, CETAP-Lucy found novel ways to use its facilities to respond to the desperate conditions of the underserved members of the community. With the help of volunteers who help by maintaining and repairing the donated computers that children without Wi-Fi or technical equipment in their homes use for their on-line classes. A limited number of expat volunteers have been able to return to tutor children, utilizing strict safety practices. 

Many families whose children formerly attended CETAP-Lucy can no longer afford the tuition because they have lost their employment, and some children formerly sponsored by expats lost that support. While requests are being made of the larger community to help sponsor children, the desperate situation of some rural families means that CETAP-Lucy cannot turn them away. Because of the mild temperatures in Chilcapamba, several children can work outside in the fresh air. This has allowed CETAP-Lucy to accept five returning students, even though their families cannot pay anything toward their tuition.

CETAP-Lucy also works in conjunction with Hearts of Gold to distribute food and necessities to through a food bank.

One especially needy family are the Japas. The family of five live in a tiny two-room shack made of recycled materials. Though they now have running water and a very basic electrical service, the family of five members do not have a toilet or a sink, and no bathing facilities, and there is little food in the home. The three boys were taking turns to attend their virtual classes over a single cellular phone. The children are required to complete about 80 pages of homework assignments every week that must be downloaded and printed off. Of course, they are unable to do this at home. The children have all been welcomed back at CETAP-Lucy to take advantage of the technology and tutoring help. 

There is so much need and so much to do, but we know how important our work is and we are proud of the way we have been able to adjust to these trying circumstances. We appreciate the assistance of GlobalGiving. We couldn’t do this without you. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.