The project

The story of Ana Francisca Gualan (Anita), now 10 years old and the last of 7 children, is an inspiration (click here to read more). Anita was born with Down Syndrome, in Quito Ecuador, and has not received adequate attention so far. Like her siblings, she comes from a very difficult background. And like her siblings, she is very bright.

Help-for-Hope has had excellent references on the Gualan siblings, and has met Gloria Gualan, the second-oldest sister, over the phone. A meeting in person is planned in Quito for December 2008. Gloria, like several of her siblings, has written an inspirational success story, working her way up from selling candies and polishing shoes, to top graduate of her school and main bread-winner for the family.

Picture to the right: Anita in December 2008, with the little Teddy Bear sent to her by her sponsors in Switzerland. A happy bunny, full of joy of life ;-)

The choice of supporting Anita Gualan is based on the inspirational value and signalling effect that the Gualan siblings can have on other children from distressed backgrounds. They incorporate the slogan "sì se puede", or "yes you can", so popular in Ecuador.

Anita will be attending "FRUTOS", a school in Quito specialized in children with Down Syndrome. There, she will receive special education, physical therapy, language therapy, psychorehabilitation, ludotherapy workshops, music therapy, children yoga, hyppotherapy and swimming.

Help-for-Hope is looking for sponsors who'd like to engage in assuming a year or more of Anita's education (please click here, if you are interested. THANK YOU!)

Picture to the left: Anita with two of her siblings, in the middle Manuel and to the right Gloria. An example of love and care for one another, siblings who have been jelled together by their life history

The school has a high individual attention, and success rate in preparing children with Down Syndrome to a more autonomous adult life. The school is also quite expensive, with a cost of USD 200 per month. For Anita, the school will last 6 years, for a total cost of USD 14'400, or USD 2'400 per year. Help-for-Hope is looking for sponsors who'd like to engage in assuming a year or more of Anita's education (please click here, if you are interested. THANK YOU!) - UPDATED: July, 2008, one sponsor has generously pledged to cover Anita's education. EXTRAORDINARY, thank you!!!