Student of the Month — Hope for the Next Generation

OCTOBER 2008 > JOSÉ

José Alberto is a first grade student at Worldfund’s partner school in Acapulco, Mano Amiga Acapulco. The Mexican resort city is known internationally as a holiday destination but little attention is given to the extreme poverty in which many of its inhabitants live. The median family income is less than US$350 a month, and a large portion of the population lacks suitable housing and other basic necessities.

Like many of the children in Acapulco, José Alberto has already experienced significant hardships. The seven-year-old boy works hard, however, to excel in school and to overcome the challenges in his life. Until two years ago, José Alberto lived with his parents and two older siblings in a loving and supportive home. When his mother died of cancer, his life drastically changed. José Alberto's older brother began to abuse drugs and alcohol, and his father was unable to raise the children. José Alberto and his sister now live with an aunt who takes care of them, her daughter and her granddaughter with limited financial resources.

Mano Amiga Acapulco provides José Alberto and his sister with extra attention and scholarships so that they can continue their studies and develop in a healthy and supportive environment. José Alberto, in particular, receives counseling to work through his anger and loneliness. The special treatment that Mano Amiga Acapulco provides to José Alberto exemplifies its dedication to its mission of transforming the life of every student who enrolls in the school.