L.A.C.E.S. Blog

Hope for Tracy

A Story of Hope…

Over the past several posts we have been reflecting on the stories and accounts of the kids currently enrolled in our program. Through interviews and first-hand testimonials, we’ve been able to hear how our work is giving hope back to kids in Liberia. We want to share these stories with you!

Tracy for example, a second year participant, was gracious enough to sit down with staff and talk through her experience being enrolled in the L.A.C.E.S. Program. When staff members in Liberia first spoke with her, her gentle demeanor and kind spirit made her stand out from among the crowd of children. At only 12 years old, she’s endured hardship and difficulties that no kid should ever be forced to face. Her exemplary attitude and joy after all she’s been through has shown us a lot about her character.

Pictured above, Tracy poses for a photograph in Liberia

A difficult decision…

Tracy told us that when she was very young, her parents became unable to take care of her. The pressures that come with living in severe poverty became obstacles that they were unable to overcome. Out of love and concern for Tracy’s future, her parents made the very difficult decision to send her away to be raised by her auntie. This was done as a way for Tracey to be cared for, but was extremely hard on the entire family.

When Tracy first began living with her auntie, things improved tremendously. She missed her parents a great deal, but understood that this choice was made for her own benefit. For the first time in her life, she was able to attend school and receive the care that she needed from home. However, it wasn’t long before her auntie began struggling to keep up with the financial demands of feeding both herself and Tracy. Eventually, Tracy’s school fees became too expensive and she had to drop out. It was then that she started spending her days in the local market, working to sell assorted items as a means to receive a meager income.

Unfortunately, for many children in Liberia, this is the first step towards a long journey of hardship and instability. Without school and her family, Tracy’s life began to lack structure and the proper resources needed to help her grow and develop. The road ahead for her became unknown and the mounting pressures to survive began sinking in.

Girls like Tracy enrolled in the L.A.C.E.S. Program pose for a photograph after their game

A program to help…

Thankfully, this all changed when Tracy became enrolled in the L.A.C.E.S. Program. Through our research-backed mentorship curriculum, active feeding program, and soccer league, she is regaining hope for the future. When we asked what her favorite part of being involved with L.A.C.E.S. was, she said, “my favorite part about LACES is that they can teach, give you food to eat, and lots of things.” She went on to say that at L.A.C.E.S., she is learning how to take care of herself and enjoying the chance to come and play soccer.

Give Hope, Today!

At L.A.C.E.S., we’re in the business of giving hope to hopeless children and showing them a brighter future is possible. When you choose to give to our mission, you are giving to the hope of a better life for a child in need. We know that Tracy’s story is not uncommon in Liberia. Because of this we rely on our supporters to increase our impact.

By giving to L.A.C.E.S., you can change all of it! When you donate, you will be giving towards children in need of our program. Every dollar you give will go into feeding hungry children, creating a safe space for at-risk youth, and inevitably inspiring hope. We hope you will join us in this endeavor. To donate to our campaign today, click the link here!

 

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