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Can you help give a new beginning to a vulnerable child ? Carolina's story from the dark into the light.......
In the spirit of hope, renewal and the promise of new beginnings, we bring you a powerful story written by Carolina, who is living at La Alianza Guatemala. Carolina is one of the many children you have supported over the years and who’s life you have helped transform. Please donate today to help more children
Carolina’s Story…
My name is Carolina and I was born on June 25, 1998. I lived with my family – my father left my mother when I was little and she was responsible for looking after the entire family. She eventually decided to rebuild her life with a new partner and that’s when my nightmare began.
When I was 11 years old my stepfather sexually abused me. He would do it when my mother went to work and left me alone in the house. He threatened to kill my mother and hurt my brothers if I said anything. I was scared. I didn’t know what to do. So I kept quiet to protect my family.
The abuse didn’t stop there. It carried on. Every single day. I felt physically ill – my stomache ached, I was nauseous and I felt dizzy. My mother was worried and took me to the health centre.
I found out I was 4 months pregnant. My mother was shocked but I was afraid. I still couldn’t tell her anything. My stepfather threatened me again – forcing me to say my school friend was the father otherwise he would hurt my mother.
I never wanted to be pregnant. I tried to commit suicide several times. When my daughter was born, I couldn’t cope and tried to kill my daughter. That’s when my mother took me to Association La Alianza (ALA) for shelter and protection.
When I arrive at La Alianza, I was at crisis point. It was the dedication and support the staff gave me, that helped me to rebuild my life.
I received psychological therapy and a dedicated social worker to help me work through the anger and resentment I felt.
The therapists helped me to understand my daughter was not at fault and little by little, I began to slowly share my life with my daughter. We slowly began to build a bond and she soon became my reason for living.
I attended the workshops at La Alianza and learnt how to take care of my daughter and how to build a future for myself. At La Alianza, I was given opportunities to learn new skills and support to continue studying.
Today I celebrate my life… I have a beautiful daughter, I am working and studying and have goals for the future. La Alianza taught me this, which I now believe:
“I am a strong woman with rights and potential to achieve what I want and each day will be even better and full of promise”
Support for Carolina doesn’t end here… She is beginning her journey towards independence and we have committed to helping her every step of the way….
But we can’t do this without YOUR support.
‘Can you help give a new beginning to a vulnerable child like Carolina this Easter?’
Thousands of children like Carolina desperately need our help… For Carolina, we were a lifeline where she had no where else to turn to.
Just £5 a week could provide the following:
Specialised trauma therapy, psychological support and group therapy to help deal with abuse, neglect and violence.
Food, shelter, clothing and medical care – including drug detoxification and long term health care
Opportunities and support to pursue education, vocational training or employment.
Family therapy and reunification services.
With YOUR help, we can offer even more vulnerable children a place to be safe, develop resilience and a sense of hope and ultimately to be children.
Tragically we know there are more children like Carolina who need us to be their voice… Will need us to protect them… And will need us to stand up for them.
We cannot to do this without YOU.
You are their family.
Please sign up and sponsor a child today.
Thank you
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