For some children, home isn’t a word they equate with comfort, safety, or protection. Even with loving parents or family members, many children grow up in situations that hinder their hope for a bright future.
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Take Raul, for example.
Raul never knew his father. Both his father and stepfather left when he was very young, leaving him, his younger sister, and their mother to navigate life on their own.
His mother worked very hard to support their family, but still struggled. At just seven years old, Raul began working at a tire factory to help provide for his sister and mother. While he worked, the owner of the tire shop allowed them to live in a small abandoned warehouse. Raul worked very hard to help provide for his family.
One year later, his mother became seriously ill, was taken to the general hospital, and passed away.
Left without parents, Raul and his sister were moved into a shelter before being transferred to Kids Kingdom.
Kids Kingdom is an orphanage in Ensenada, Mexico that provides a safe and loving environment to vulnerable children so they can grow and thrive.
International Relief Teams works with Kids Kingdom to provide monthly food and education to 45 children between the ages of 3 and 21.
When speaking about Kids Kingdom, International Relief Teams’ Interim CEO Rose Uranga says:
“I’ve personally visited Kids Kingdom many times and calling it an orphanage just doesn’t seem right. It’s really a loving and nurturing home. Over the years, there have been hundreds of children who were raised at Kids Kingdom and still call it home.”
Raul arrived at Kids Kingdom at 10 years old without the ability to read or write. He was enrolled in 3rd grade at the local school to try to continue his educational journey. It was a difficult struggle, but with the help of tutors at Kids Kingdom, he began to make progress.
Three years later, Raul finished elementary school. He continued through middle school, and eventually graduated high school 3rd in his class!
In March of 2024, Raul graduated from University with a degree in Business Engineering.
He shares his gratitude in a recent letter to International Relief Teams:
Dear International Relief Teams,
I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the generous support you have given me. Thanks to you, I have been able to graduate from the University as a Business Engineer on March 22, 2024.
I will always value your confidence in me and my goals.
I hope to one day be able to repay this gesture of generosity and make a positive difference in the lives of others, just as you have done in mine.
Sincerely,
Raul
Stories like Raul’s remind us every day of the importance of the life saving support that International Relief Teams provides to children in Ensenada, and around the world.
Without the light of hope in programs like Kids Kingdom, children like Raul may not be able to come out on the other side.
You can help us make a difference in children’s lives, too.
If you’d like to support this program, visit our Donation page to make a contribution where it’s needed most.
