Child sponsorship update from Limon, Costa Rica

Update for child sponsor supporters from the SOS Children's Village Limon, Costa Rica from Winter 2008.

Receive a cordial greeting from all the staff of SOS Children's Village Limón. It is a pleasure for us to inform you again, sharing a brief overview of the major developments during 2008.

Each activity undertaken by families and coworkers have to ensure as a main goal that every child and youth grows in a familiar environment, where their rights are respected and they are provided with the necessary tools to ensure that in future, they can live independently.

This would not be possible without the support that you gave us throughout the year. For this reason our staff wants to thank you for believe in our mission and the work we do every day. We trust that through your efforts and ours, we will continue offer to more children, love and security of a family.

Thank you for your support and best wishes and blessings in 2009!

Below, there are the main activities that take place in SOS Children's Village Limón, in the areas of family life, school and technical training, health, arts and sports, development of SOS mothers and equipment and infrastructure maintenance.

Area Family Development
In SOS Children's Village Limon currently there are 11 families, where they live 82 children aged between 4 and 22 years old.

The direction of the Children's Village, remains in charge of Lic. Gretta Bennett Bennett, director of the SOS Social Center Limón. Actually SOS Children’s Villages Costa Rica National Office is conducting the necessary processes for recruiting a new director.

Today we have the support of 11 SOS mothers, two rotative mothers and an Aspiring for SOS Mother. At this point the village requires the hiring of five SOS mothers, who provide support to mothers in charge of each family. Due to the difficulty of recruiting SOS mothers during the second half of this year, there was a national campaign allows the recruitment of mothers in all the projects in the country.

Regarding to the out-of-home care, during 2008 there were expected to receive a total of 35 children and adolescents, so there were discussions with the government authorities, however, during the year only has been possible to accommodate 4 children.

During the last weeks of the year, will be received three more children, and it is planned for next year that families already established as well as the new houses receive the other members.

On the other hand, families continue to make efforts to strengthen family ties and enhance the sense of belonging among its members. Some of these activities they realise are: family reunions, trips to rivers, beaches, parks, swimming pools, celebrating birthdays and graduations. These activities are held during school break, Easter holidays, weekends, and other holidays, etc.

The realisation of all these activities will strengthen the bonds and build relationships based on respect, cooperation and affection among family members.

Education and Technical Training Area

Currently all children of school age and adolescents receive academic, technical or vocational training. During 2008 a total of 10 family members attended classes in private schools (13.51%) and 64 attended public schools (86.49%). Of the total number of family members, 50 children are attending primary school, 24 are attending high school and six are receiving technical training. Also two youths are in college and other two are in the independence process.

Throughout all 2008 was in force the agreement with the UNED (State Distance University). Through this agreement, students finishing the teaching career in this center, provide support to children who need it at the village.

Regarding to technical training processes, this year six youths are receiving training in areas such as hairdressing, tourism, electricity, carpentry, English and computing, in accordance with their abilities and interests. Three of these youths are finishing high school as well.

On the other hand, some children and youths are receiving computing and English classes. Currently 11 attend computing classes and 9 attend English. These activities they combine with their academic studies.

As indicated above, a major event during the year was the entry of one youth to the University. She continues studying psychology at a university located in San José, and she lives in an apartment with other young people who are also studying. The village is supporting this young lady paying the apartment rent, food, clothing and other expenses required. It is projected that she can contribute with these payments when she get a stable job as part of her preparation for independence process.

Regarding to independence processes, this year 5 youths became independent of their families, all of them residing in the area of Limon and maintains contact with their families, two of them occasionally. Currently four youths are working in different areas, while a young girl started living together with her mate. Currently two young men are in the process of preparation for independence and it is expected they get soon a job. Besides, their families are supporting them financially in order to they achieve their independent live in a responsible manner.

Sports and Recreation Area
This year family members join various sports, recreational and cultural activities, according to their interests and abilities.

For example during 2008, 12 girls participate in dance classes, they had shows in different places as Limon, San Ramon, Siquirres, Guanacaste and so on. This is an activity they enjoyed a lot. Other activities where are involved some family members are the Scout Movement where participate 23 children and adolescents, 8 children attend swimming lessons, 3 teenagers are involved in aerobics classes, two girls in rhythmic gymnastics, two teenagers in drawing, three youths attending music classes, while two girls have joined women's soccer team and a girl is involved in cricket.

To participate in such activities, SOS Mothers should cover registration fees, transportation and purchase of equipment and uniforms.

Families in the village attend different churches in the area, so many young boys and girls continue being part of existing groups such as these: catechism, Sunday school and youth group, as well as integrated activities as vigils, retirements and other special occasions.

Health Area

All children, adolescents and young people attend regularly to receive health care in the community health centre where they get medical examinations and laboratory test. In addition, 22 children have required attention of medic specialists in areas such as orthodontics, gynecology, endocrinology, optometry, orthopedics, psychology, psychiatry and homeopathy, among others. Treatments were received in public and private centres, in the latter case, usually Mother received lower rates that allow them pay all expenses.

Also, all children, adolescents and young people receive dental care for at least twice a year. In general, all family members enjoy good health and receive the care they require according to their needs.

Mother’s Development
During 2008, five mothers obtained the SOS Mother title. Because they have completed the one-year training process set by the organisation. Through the courses, Mothers receive theoretical and practical tools that let them to play a better role as mothers.

Currently, two mothers are doing their final test in order to become SOS mother, while two more have begun the formation process. It is projected that over the next five weeks new SOS mothers will be incorporated to support the mothers that currently are taking care of a family, in order to this, a national call has been made for recruitment of women interested in performing as SOS Mothers. It is important that both, the director and the professionals in psychology and social work, provide constant support to Mothers according to their needs and their families.

Infrastructure and equipment of family houses
This year the new two houses built recently have acquired 100% of equipment and furniture. Furthermore, in September there were replaced some appliances and furnishing in the rest of the family houses. It includes the purchase of kitchens, refrigerators, microwave ovens, rice cookers, blenders, fans, beds, mattresses and so on. This renewing was made with an economical support from the Joint Social Welfare Institute (IMAS), government entity that provides support to social welfare organisations. Moreover, this year there was the purchase of a bus for transporting family members to recreational places and educational institutions.

Regarding to children personal belongings, every mother continues providing to their children the items they need as clothing, bedding, shoes, school supplies and those that are required according to their needs for and the existing budget.

At infrastructure level, maintenance to houses and offices (furniture, doors, plumbing, electrical installation, etc.) continues as well as maintenance of green areas for which regularly hires a gardener.

In this way, we wanted to share with you a brief tour of our project, in order to you join us in the progress and development of each of the members of SOS families, where every mother and child becoming men and women of good, building their own future. We reiterate our appreciation for all the support and commitment given to the SOS family members.

Thanks for contributing to this noble mission of protect more children and youths; allow them to grow up with love, respect and security.

Sincerely,

Lic. Gretta Bennett Benett
Deputy Director
SOS Children's Village Limón