Meet Diego*
"An enthusiastic, curious boy with a big heart"
Program: Health – Healthy lunches Program
Teacher: Zabdi Pocop
Age upon entering NdL program: 9 years
School Grade: 3rd grade
Family: He lost his father during the COVID pandemic. He lives with his mother, her three nephews and her older sister who is a single mother and is the one who takes care of them.
Parent´s Education: His mother studied until 3rd grade.
Housing: Own house, basic condition, one room for 6 people. Bathroom and shower.
Utilities at home: All services, plus propane and firewood.
Food situation at home:
The financial situation at home has been very difficult. They have been living with severe food shortages during and after the COVID crisis. And the situation became worse after the death of Diego’s father.
The story of Diego*
The situation: Diego is a young boy who works selling jellies on the street before starting school each day and on weekends.
The challenge: A shy child, Diego is somewhat withdrawn and craves attention. It is difficult for him to open and express himself in a group. Between the challenges he has experienced and his responsibilities as a provider for his family, he has become cautious and distrustful among other children and adults. Diego often arrives at school without breakfast because there is no food at home.
The progress: We make exceptions, giving Diego food before lunch to help him focus and pay attention in class. Diego always eats everything and is open to trying new foods. He is cheerful and positive despite his shyness. Since he started coming to Niños del Lago, he has become a more hopeful, trusting, and motivated child.
*Not their real names. Names changed for privacy.
