Camilo
Country you live in: Colombia
A little bit of information about who you are, and why you are involved in the campaign:
I am a young graduate of the state protection system called in Colombia as the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare (ICBF), there I had the opportunity to receive my training as a person and professional, because from the age of 4 to 25 years I participated in various forms of care which they have.
I am part of this campaign because I consider that from my life experience I can contribute to provide the best care and fulfillment of rights guarantees for minors who are in vulnerable situations that are linked under adoptability measures or in situations of institutionalization (orphanage) at national and international level.
A message you would like to share with philanthropists:
As a message I would like to emphasize: The great works which you do with good intentions, sometimes are resources that directly fail to reach the main objective (children) for which you decided to support an institution or government, therefore, I invite you beyond contributing financially in campaigns or projects that go towards contributing to children, give yourself the opportunity to know, live and feel in your own presence what it is to give and receive direct affection from those who are receiving your help.
A fun or interesting fact about yourself:
As an interesting fact, I would like you to know that I am not a person who let myself be defeated by my past and that I have been aware of the opportunities that I have come across, since I am currently continuing to strengthen my professional training (I studied a master's degree in education) and I hope to continue to have the necessary support to continue studying more things that will allow me to grow more and more every day on a personal and professional level.
Laura
Country you live in: Colombia
A little bit of information about who you are, and why you are involved in the campaign:
I am a 26 year old young woman, I was born in San José del Guaviare; I am currently finishing a professional career as a Bachelor in Early Childhood Education and I am also working as a teacher in a kindergarten located in the city of Bogota.
For twenty-two years I lived under the protection of the I.C.B.F (Colombian governmental entity) in several foundations where I was guaranteed my basic rights, within these spaces I learned and met many people who taught and educated me, but I always longed to be with my siblings with whom I had communication once a week, when I talked to them on the phone I always imagined sharing important and special moments with them. I even wondered myself why I could not be with my family to whom I could give all the love I had saved for them and receive it from them.
Nevertheless, and ending on my brief history, I thank God that after twenty-two years I had the wonderful opportunity to live, live together and share the
that twenty-two years I had the wonderful opportunity to live, live together and share unique and loving moments with my family.
In answer to the question of why I am participating in the campaign, I would like to say that I do it because from my own life story I know and felt what it means to live far from your family because of an adverse situation.
I know and felt what it means to live far away from your family because of adverse situations that have a solution,
On the other hand, I also felt anger and sadness on different occasions of not being able to share special dates with my family because of the distance and other factors. It is for this reason that
I wish and want to contribute with my support so that the story of other children, young people and adolescents and that they have the opportunity to live and coexist with a family that fills them with love.
A message you would like to share with philanthropists:
Without the help and support of each and every one of you nothing would be possible, that is why from my story I invite you to support us and do not stop believing that the opportunity for children, youth and adolescents to grow up under a nuclear family is and will be the best opportunity.
A fun or interesting fact about yourself:
I like the sea, rivers and waterfalls, but I am afraid of the depths.
Alice
Country you live in: Kenya
A little bit of information about who you are, and why you are involved in the campaign:
Am a passionate advocate for care leavers with disabilities, committed to improving the lives of individual transitioning from care systems. Having experienced the unique challenges of being a care leaver with a disability, I understand firsthand the barriers we face. My journey has inspired me to champion the rights and needs of fellow care leavers ensuring they have access to support and opportunity they deserve.
My personal experiences and struggles have fueled my dedication to this cause. I believe that every care leaver, regardless of their abilities, deserves a fair chance to thrive. Through advocacy, I work to raise awareness, drive policy changes, and create support systems that empower care leavers with disabilities to succeed in their new lives.
A message you would like to share with philanthropists:
Your support is crucial in transforming the lives of care leavers with disabilities. By investing in programs that provide education, job training and mental health support, you can help bridge the gap and create meaningful opportunities for these individuals. Together, we can build a more inclusive and supportive society where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential.
A fun or interesting fact about yourself:
I have locks that carry a personal story and symbolize my journey and resilience. One day, I plan to share the full story behind them, as they reflect the strength and dedication that define my advocacy work
Maya
Country you live in: Nairobi, Kenya
A little bit of information about who you are, and why you are involved in the campaign:
Professionally, I am an IT graduate with a deep passion for addressing issues affecting young people with lived experiences. I currently serve as the Chairperson of the Kenya Society of Care Leavers (KESCA), where I lead a dynamic and passionate collective of young and adult care leavers from diverse backgrounds across all counties in Kenya. Together, we are committed to fostering positive change for individuals who have spent all or part of their childhoods in alternative care.
My expertise in this area has also led me to become a member of the Lumos Youth Advisory Group, where, alongside other care-experienced peers, we assist Lumos in developing advocacy and communication materials, as well as evaluating the impact of the Redirecting Funding Campaign
A message you would like to share with philanthropists:
As someone who has personally experienced life in alternative care, I urge you to reconsider the traditional approach of supporting orphanages and, instead, focus on strengthening families and communities. While orphanages may seem like safe havens for vulnerable children, research and lived experiences show that children thrive best when they are raised in loving, stable families.
By redirecting your resources towards family-based support systems such as empowering parents through economic opportunities and improving community-based services you can create lasting impact. These efforts not only prevent family separation but also allow children to grow in environments that nurture their potential and well-being.
Imagine a future where children no longer need orphanages because their families are strong enough to care for them. Your support can be the catalyst that makes this future a reality.
A fun or interesting fact about yourself:
I'm endlessly curious about the everything around me, so you'll often find me exploring nature's wonders—whether it's questioning the cockroaches how they survive or talking to the walls. Oh, and I have a contagious laugh that seems to make everything more fun!
Ana
Country you live in: Republic of Moldova
A little bit of information about who you are, and why you are involved in the campaign: I am 27 years old and I am the only child in my family. I like to be involved in activities that help me in my personal development. I also love to write poetry and am currently writing a book.
I decided to get involved in this campaign because I have lived the experience of the residential institution and I want to be an example for other young people and to motivate donors and philanthropists through my own experience to donate money for socially vulnerable families and children at risk of ending up in a residential institution.
A message you would like to share with philanthropists:
Dear philanthropists and donors, my message is: Before you contribute or invest your money in a particular project or family, make sure that it achieves its objective and purpose.
A fun or interesting fact about yourself:
An interesting fact about me is that this year I am about to become a mom.
Olesea
Country you live in: The Republic of Moldova
A little bit of information about who you are, and why you are involved in the campaign: My name is Lungu Olesea, I am 25 years old and I am from the Republic of Moldova, the founder of Youth & Experience Public Association, I have rich experience as a facilitator in the trainings organized by Lumos Foundation, with social specialists and young people in the care system. I am part of this campaign for several reasons :
a) I want the voice of young people/children to be heard-often adults make decisions on behalf of children
b) Change the care system through my lived experience .
C)Experience in the protection system :
2 years - residential institution Mărculești
7 years - alternative service Professional Parental Assistance
4 years -Colegiul "Vasile Lupu" from Orhei; Specialty: Social Assistance; Qualification: Social Worker
4 years - State Pedagogical University "Ion Creangă" from Chisinau; Faculty: Psychology and Special Psychopedagogy; Specialty: Social Work
2 years -Social Assistant in Pohorniceni village within the Orhei Social Assistance and Family Protection Department.
A message you would like to share with philanthropists:
Dear philanthropists, you have the power to change the life of a socially vulnerable child, by making his life more childlike and colorful with his family by funding and financially supporting the family.It is better to prevent the separation of children from their family than to integrate the child into the family or alternative services. The child can only be happy with his family.
A fun or interesting fact about yourself:
An interesting thing about me is that I am a young lady with motor disabilities who can knit and do things I have manuals but mostly write lyrics about life in a residential institution. One of them I want to share with you
Boarding!
At the utterance of that word,
In my eyes a dark smile
At the utterance of this word,
A senseless building
At the utterance of this word
I see a child crying in the corner
As I say this word
I see an empty hallway
How is the heart of a child who has no one to call father
As I say this word
I see a past full of pain
As I say this word
I see an unhappy child
P.S Lungu Olesea