Poverty is not an option, the option is in helping

Dequeni looks at gathering 2,400 scholarships for children of Paraguay

Cartas de agradecimiento Letters of thanksgiving Dankbriefe an die Spender aus Deutschland
„Te quiero, mi padrino “ „I love you, my benefactor“ „Ich liebe dich...“
Caras de esperanza: niños de Caaguazú que recibieron una beca escolar Faces of hope: children from Caaguazú who can study because of a scholarship Gesichter der Hoffnung: Kinder aus Caaguazú, die dank einer „Schultüte“ ein Jahr zur Schule gehen können
Estudian con compromiso para pasar de grado... They study with commitment... Sie lernen mit Eifer, um die Versetzung zu schaffen
Dibujos para los padrinos A gift for the benefactors Ein Bild für den, der mir Zukunft gibt... Fotos: K. Fischer © 2008

PARAGUAY, mkf. "My name is Fabio, I am eleven years-old, I live with my Mom and Dad, I have six brothers and sisters whose names are: Roberto, Mabel, Carolina, Pedro, Lolo, and Cristina. I like to study and play too, I am very happy with the supplies and the uniform…." It is impossible to forget the shy smile of this boy from Caáguazú, or the great big eyes… This letter was written for a German family who has given something very important to him: a year at school.

"On behalf of the 3,300 children, 1,000 adolescents, and 1,896 families, we want to express our gratitude for this support for the education and improvement of the living conditions of these people," writes Clarisa Galeano of the Dequeni Foundation in Paraguay. Created over twenty years ago by members of the Schoenstatt Youth, Dequeni is under the protection of the Mother Thrice Admirable of Schoenstatt and has devoted itself to creating the educational opportunity for each Paraguayan child.

This support began five years ago by helping 500 children enter school with the necessary supplies needed to stay there. Considering the elevated spirit of unity from

supporters both inside and outside of the country, the past year exceeded all the expectations and goals by providing more than 2,000 scholarships. More than ninety children were helped through the management of Ingrid Springer and Sister Kornelia, from the Schoenstatt Press Office, who joined together as ambassadors for the Dequeni cause in Germany. Today these children go to school with hope of forging a difference in their present and the future circumstances.

This year’s challenge is key. The campaign’s "I support an education at no cost" has the goal of offering 2,400 children a chance to study. The main objective is to bring about conditions suitable for access to an education with grace for the families, quality for the children, and with the commitment of everyone. Six scholarships have already been obtained; they are the fruit of a combined effort by the young people of the Children’s Hearth from Hollenberg near Cologne, Germany, during this past Lent.

I love you, godfather

With the conviction that poverty is not an option, then the option is that of helping. We invite everyone to join in the "One education costs zero" campaign to help support these children again. Children like Ever who is also from Caáguazú: "I very much like to please my teacher, because I like studying, and I’m going to try and spend every year (at school). With the help of my mother and my father, I will achieve it." – parents who love their children but cannot pay for their education– "and also with the help of Perla, my godmother, I am very grateful for her, may God bless her for everything she has given and for her helping me. With a big hug, I say goodbye, Ever." Children like Carlos Ariel, now thirteen years-old, supported by a former math teacher for the last four years, who not only sends his scholarship each year, but also prays that Carlos Ariel can understand math better. The boy still struggles with math, but each year has passed on to the next grade! For the last four years, the picture of this child is present in the home shrine of this teacher. A strong bond between Germany and Paraguay…

"My Dad and my Mom also give thanks," writes Gabriel, an eleven year-old, to her godfather. "I am going to study a great deal this year so I can pass this grade, sending you a hug…" A face with a unique smile, Hernán Darío, age nine, writes in his letter: "I love you, godfather!" Alma, age seven: "Thank you for the beautiful shoes that I have and for my uniform…"

With only a gift of 300,000 guaraníes, (50.00€ or $65US) a Paraguayan child will receive a scholarship, a backpack with the necessary supplies, a complete uniform, and the support throughout the school year.

The scholarships can be sent until January 31, 2009 either online for credit cards outside of Paraguay, or for a bank deposit in Germany (IBAN DE52426613300121483602, BIC: GENODEM1HLT; owner is Ingrid Springer on behalf of Dequeni).

• Other options: Ask Clarisa at cgaleano@dequeni.org.py. Poverty in not an option, the option is to help.
• Dequeni on the Internet: www.dequeni.org.py
• Donaciones online (Credit card)

Translation: amj, USA