Fernando's Program

One of the things about Compassion is the information it gives you, not only about the child, but also about the program the child will be involved in. Pardon the cut and paste I will be doing, but the Compassion website gives a nice bit of information on what Fernando will be involved in doing.
Fernando is enrolled in the Nazareth Student Center, which has been opened since March 13, 2006. Less than three years, very infant in terms of Compassion projects ages. The website says this about the program:

"Your sponsored child lives on the plains of Minero, home to approximately 13,000 residents. Typical houses are constructed of cement with corrugated iron roofs. The regional diet consists of bananas, bread, cassava, beef, plantains and rice. Common health problems in this are include malnutrition, parasites and colds. Most adults in Minero work on plantations or as taxi drivers and earn the equivalent of $87 per month. This community needs employment opportunities, libraries and recreational facilities. Your sponsorship allows the staff of Nazareth Student Center to provide your sponsored child with Bible teaching, hygiene education, recreational activities, development of artistic abilities and academic support. In addition, Bible teaching and hygiene education are available for non-schooled children. Thirty percent of the children in this project are not attending school because they are underage. The center staff will also provide meetings and opportunities for project involvement for the parents or guardians of your sponsored child."

The school year begins in February, so it looks like I came along at the right time as he can be a sponsored child, established into the program as soon as school starts. Next time, I'll share more from the website about the community Fernando lives in.