Strong communities keep kids safe

Daysi faced a daily struggle to provide for her children and to protect them in a neighbourhood plagued by youth violence. The determined mother of five worked tirelessly every day as a street vendor, selling fried pork and tamales to help keep food on the table.  Her two sons helped by selling goods in the streets, but this exposed them to the dangers of gangs and violence. It left her in constant fear for their well-being and her family’s future.

It's a story that’s all too common for many families, where communities work tirelessly to overcome challenges and create opportunities for education, safety, and a brighter future for their children.

Children Believe’s community watch

In 2008, Children Believe launched a sponsorship program in Daysi’s community, designed to lift up entire families. Though her children were getting too old for sponsorship, Daysi volunteered with the Communications Committee, helping parents understand the importance of education and encouraging participation in training workshops.

Through the program, her sons joined painting, drawing, and soccer groups, and received training in child protection and leadership — keeping them engaged in positive activities and away from danger.

“Look, I am very grateful to God and the program because it was thanks to their support that my children did not become lost in vagrancy,” says Daysi. “With the support they received and training in small business/entrepreneurship, they now live with dignity and support their families.”

But the impact didn’t stop with her children. The program also supported Daysi who took courses in food safety and business management, which improved her family’s stability.

Success from stability and security

As Daysi’s self-esteem and confidence grew, so did her leadership in the community. She helped organize the construction of a community sewer system, improving health conditions for families. Today, she continues to lead initiatives in child protection, health promotion, and women’s entrepreneurship.

“The program changed my life,” Daysi says. “My business has prospered, my home has improved, my children have learned the value of work and the community has made great progress.”

Daysi’s story proves that when you help a child, you uplift an entire community. And we won’t stop until every child grows up to live the life they choose. Together, we can build stronger communities where families don’t just survive — they thrive.