This year, Esther, a young participant in one of the PEPEs in Bolivia, has shown tremendous resilience and courage despite her situation. Initially, she was a bit shy, afraid of new things, spoke little, and had few friends, often isolating herself during recess. Education seemed challenging for her, as her classmates were advancing more quickly.
She lives with her mother, Norma, and her six siblings, the youngest just one year younger than her. Her father works as a construction worker in Oruro, a distant city, and sends some money to the family each month, but it does not seem to be enough to meet their needs. Her mother takes care of the seven children and doesn’t have time to work, despite living in a rented house that doesn’t even have proper walls.
They are an example of overcoming challenges and resilience. The mother does everything she can to pay the family’s bills, while the children strive to continue studying, aspiring to become professionals to support the family. Esther’s mother shares her daughter’s perseverance, and despite their living conditions, they both work hard. The distance they travel daily to reach PEPE exceeds 1 km and is filled with steep paths. Sometimes, Esther and her mother arrive exhausted from the long journey, slightly late, and her brothers pick her up afterward. Even so, her mother always manages to prepare a tasty snack for her.
The extra time and dedication from the PEPE Missionary-Educator helped Esther catch up academically with her peers. She now knows how to count to 15, recognize, and write numbers, as well as learning the alphabet and beginning to form words. Her behavior is one of the calmest in the classroom, and during recess, she now plays with all her friends, who play with her as well. Additionally, she excels in physical education classes, showing impressive coordination in high jumps, which earns her the admiration of her peers.
It is a great joy to see how Esther now knows to clasp her little hands and close her eyes to pray before meals, teaching this habit to her family as well. According to her mother, Esther prays before meals and shares the Bible stories she learns. Undoubtedly, they are an inspiring example, as despite their many challenges, she and her family keep moving forward. Thank God that PEPE came into Esther and her family’s life, as that church has a missionary vision to reach children for Christ!
There are many children in Bolivia and around the world who need our help.
Mary Luz Fonseca – National Coordinator of PEPE Bolivia
Carmen Ligia – text editing
