Student of the Month — Hope for the Next Generation

Each month, Worldfund highlights the unique situation of one of the thousands of impoverished students receiving a high-quality education at Worldfund's partner schools. These stories demonstrate how a child’s development within his or her unique educational environment can help break the cycle of poverty. In addition, they serve as constant sources of inspiration for our team and supporters.

JUNE-JULY 2009 > VERONICA

Nine-year-old Verónica is currently a third grade student at the Mano Amiga San Antonio School located in San Luis La Herradura in El Salvador. She is a bright and hard working student who loves to learn, has many friends and is always willing to help those around her. In addition to the challenges children living in El Salvador already face, two years ago Verónica was diagnosed with a thyroid problem after teachers noticed that she would become tired after minimal physical activity. Earlier this year she was diagnosed with Precocious Puberty, a rare medical condition that causes a child’s body to go through the changes of puberty at a very early age.

While Verónica is confronted with many challenges she is fortunate in that she is not only receiving a high quality education that is expanding her opportunities in life but she is also getting the medical attention that her family would not be able to afford other wise. Through Mano Amiga San Antonio, Verónica is receiving the ongoing care she needs at the clinic that is located within the school. Doctors say that with proper treatment and care Verónica will be able to live a normal life and continue to pursue her dream of becoming a business manager.

Verónica’s teachers tell us that while she faces many and difficult challenges she is always smiling and has a positive attitude and outlook on life.

Veronica at the Mano Amiga San Antonio clinic where she receives ongoing care