Since 2004 - Christian Leonardo Toapanta Cantuña (Leo) is a young boy age 14, one like many in his neighbourhood of Conocoto, at the outskirts of Quito, Ecuador's capital city. He likes to play football, play the guitar, and be with his friends.

And yet, Leo is special. He has graduated a top student at his district's primary school, and is seen as one of the brightest kids in his village. As many children in his situation, he did not have the resources to aim at an academic education. Click here to meet Leo and read of a day in his life.

1. The project

Help-for-Hope met with Leo and his mother in 2003, through local connections of friends of the Association in Quito. Leo's intellectual capabilities and his personal maturity, but also the support of a strong family surrounding convinced Help-for-Hope to sponsor his semi-private high school education. Sponsorship has started in September of 2004, at a rate of USD 100 a month.

2. Help-for-Hope's investment

Leo has started highschool in September 2004. The duration of his secondary studies is of 6 years, with graduation in June 2010. The cost of the school is of USD 1'200 per year, for a total of USD 7'200.

3. The results

To date, each year a (different) private sponsor has signed up for Leo's high school education; thanks to this series of generous sponsors, and Leo's consistent dedication to his studies, Leo is now in his final year of high school and preparing for final exams; 2010 could well be the year of Help-for-Hope's first graduate student!!

Picture to the right: Leo in December 2008