In a bright classroom in northern El Salvador, Nancy watches proudly as her young students discover the joy of learning. She sees herself reflected in their eager faces, recalling the same spark of possibility that ignited her own educational journey years ago.
Nancy knows from experience how a child can transform when they feel supported and valued. She fondly remembers the small gifts she received from her sponsor, like notebooks and pens for school. Most of all, she remembers how their support made her feel like she was not alone and gave her the confidence to pursue her dreams.
That sense of belonging and support stayed with Nancy through college graduation and led her back home. Now, she is using her education and experience to open doors for children in the same community where her own dreams took flight.
Watch Nancy’s story here.
Today, Nancy teaches at an early childhood development center for children ages 0-7 and their families. The center is part of an education initiative supported by Plan International in the Chalatenango region.
Former sponsored child Nancy is now an educator at a Plan-supported early childhood development center in El Salvador. | ©Plan International
“Perhaps life placed this project of caring for young children in my hands to give back what I received in my childhood,” Nancy reflects.
Nancy enjoys working with her students’ parents too. “It’s a family-oriented program,” Nancy explains. “Parents don’t just drop their children off; they have to be involved too. It’s so nice to hear from parents that this program has helped them to change their traditional parenting methods.” | ©Plan International
In her classroom, Nancy supports each child with the conviction that a loving learning environment can change the course of a young life. She creates the nurturing environment she once experienced as a sponsored child.
As an educator, Nancy feels she can give back the support she received as a child. | ©Plan International
“What I like most is that the children are so lovely and pure, and they have this joy that they transmit to you,” Nancy shares. “Hearing them is beautiful; it fills me with joy. I feel super rewarded by the children I am caring for.”
