In
the beginning of April, Cris who embraced the UPG Portugal volunteering
“adventure” with all her strengths gave us her heartfelt testimony today
revealing her experience as a UPG Portugal Sponsor.
"In 2013 when I
first sponsored Mariana under the UPG Portugal Sponsoring programme I was far
from imagining that I would meet her so soon! The first
picture I saw of her showed me a sweet girl, with short hair and a shy smile
who immediately won me over. Throughout these two years I received Easter and
Christmas postcards, and I was also kept up to date with Mariana’s school
results which made me feel hugely proud to know she was happy and continuing
her studies.
When I arrived
at Santa Luísa de Marillac School, in Mozambique, to start my work as a UPG
Portugal volunteer in the beginning of April, I immediately asked about
Mariana… When she arrived I couldn’t believe my eyes... She had the same shy
face, but now she is a beautiful young lady, who is taller than me! All I was able
to say was “I am your Sponsor”! …Mariana smiled and gave me a strong hug.
Marina is 15
years old, and she’s in the 8th grade. The teachers say she’s committed
and hard working. Like her sponsor she loves Portuguese and English, and her
dream is to be a Portuguese and English Teacher. At home and in school she
helps with the cooking and cleaning.
Every day we see
each other, and spend some time together after lunch. Each day that goes by
Marina smiles and shares a little bit more of herself.
It is thanks to
ALG and UPG sponsoring programme that Mariana has had access to education and
to balanced meals that help her continuing her studies. More importantly, UPG Portugal also gave us the huge joy of creating such strong ties between us despite
the distance. Thank you UPG Portugal and ALG!"
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