The project

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. Click here to meet Leo and read of a day in his life.

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.

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.

• The costs: 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.

• Current fundraising status: until end of 2007, total donations amounted to USD 4'000, and another USD 1'200 have been committed for 2008, covering all school-costs for Leo until the end of the current year. Over the remaining 1+ years, USD 2'000 will be needed to help Leo graduate from Highschool.

• How you can help Leo: to date, each year a (different) private sponsor has signed up for the education of Leo; Help-for-Hope is looking for sponsors for Leo for 2009 (total USD 1'200) and 2010 (total USD 800). Please click here and send us a note if you would like to sign up for supporting Leo's education.