My story is about Anna, a 15 year-old girl who has been in our program since July 2013. Last year Anna completed the 5th grade and is very excited to be taking the state exam this year.
Ever since she was a baby, Anna has lived with a woman unrelated to her (whom she calls her “aunt”). She knows nothing about her biological family and very little about how she came to live with this woman, other than being told that she was found as a baby in front of the woman’s house. Apparently the woman took her in and has raised her ever since. Fortunately Anna is not treated too poorly, although she has many responsibilities at home. She is made to complete all of the chores herself despite the fact that her “aunt” has two other children. She receives help from her aunt only on weekends.
In addition to the challenges presented by her living situation, Anna also suffers from pain in her feet. She has lived with this pain for a long time, and it prevents her from walking normally. The family she lives with does not have the money to take Anna to the hospital, and this disability has caused her to miss a lot of school and get made fun of by the other kids.
Anna is very courageous, however, and despite her many challenges she consistently performs at the top of her class. This year she is even volunteering in our summer program! I very much admire Anna; she is very smart and well-mannered, and is constantly improving. Anna has a lot of dreams, and hopes one day to be able to walk without a problem. I hope that by hearing this story you are inspired. No matter what setbacks you have in life, you can succeed!
Francoise Leon, Child Advocate
