Another story that ALG is proud to share with all.
Silvestre is the 1st student in ALG to have completed University Studies. He graduated
from Accounting and Auditing in 2014, and sent us a tender
testimony, another living proof that effort and hard work pay off.
“Climbing
the mountain and contemplating the vast emptiness from the top can be
rewarding. But nothing surpasses the difficult path walked, from the lower
ground, and the obstacles felt during this journey to overcome life’s
hindrances.”
In the
first place I would like to thank God for the gift of life. For enlightening me
in every step of the way. I would like to thank my family and Father Victor
Estrada for incentivising me to continue to study, even through the hardships I
was facing. He always told me not to be afraid of suffering, of difficulties,
and to follow the example of Jesus in the desert and the pain He endured on the
cross. So I’m very thankful for Father Victor Estrada’s encouragement. Without
him I would have not continued my studies. I’m very grateful for his incentive
and encouragement, for his kind and caring words whenever I needed them.
I thank
my mother Marta and my aunt Albertina, who are no longer with us, who taught me
to be who I am today. They are always present, in heart and soul, in all my
accomplishments. I am like the branch which was destined to die of draught but
because someone watered it, it ended up resisting and bearing fruits.
Finally
I would like to thank, in a very special way, A Little Gesture, who placed me
on a half built path and gave it a continuation and an end. This was the path
for my university degree which was not an easy one, it came true with so many
obstacles and hardships… but this is not the time to be sorrowful, it is time
to sing in praise for the victories achieved in a record time. When I started
in my class we had 75 students. On the 3rd year 25 of us had remained,
plus 10 students from previous years. Some gave up due to several reasons, some
failed halfway through, and now from the ones who began this journey with me
only 8 concluded. It was not easy, this not attainable because one wants but
because one can - due to hard work.
I’m
really grateful for the gift and strength God gave me during this path, and
particularly to A Little Gesture for all the support they gave me; specially
sister Sara* and brother Bernardo, and all the ones who work with ALG to make
this dream come true.
I
dedicate this victory to all the ALG sponsored children in Santa Luísa de
Marillac, where I was a dedicated student, where I want to be an example for
all these children incentivising them to continue their studies.
In this
world we are never alone. It is good to know we have friends and family to rely
on – I’m referring to ALG, sister Sara and brother Bernardo (my sponsors) who
supported me and who welcomed me with so much tenderness. It is true that I
have been through very difficult moments and ALG has always been with me, comforting
me and encouraging me. I thank God for meeting so many good people with an open
and steady heart. I want to thank you sister Sara and brother Bernardo for
everything, especially for always being by my side and for you constant support.
Sometimes
when we are in such a state of happiness we are lost for words...
Khanimabo
to all of you for all the support in so many areas!"
We want to continue to have cases like this.
Silvestre is part of the 1% of Mozambican children who go to University and we wish
increase in the number of our children who try to study for longer. For
£1’000-£1’400 per year, ALG finances university fees and partial living costs
to a small group of children with proven merit.
*Sara Vicente is the Founding Trustee and
Chairman of ALG UK and UPG Portugal. She also sponsors Silvestre’s university
scholarship with her husband Bernardo on a personal basis.
Silvestre graduated from Accounting and
Auditing in 2014. He is the 1st student in our organization to have
completed uni studies. He is also a dedicated ALG Local Technician in our
extensive intervention projects in the SLM - Sta Luisa Marillac School,
Manjangue, Chokwé.
On the past 25th
of July, at Flor da Infância (EFI)
Pre-School, we delivered the Flores
Scholarship, a scholarship financed by Ribacapital, which promotes the 4 top
students who excelled through their results and school performance. For the 4
year old students this scholarship is composed by a fix amount (c.£40) converted in a Basic
Basket and School Material. For the 5 year old students there is a multi-annual
scholarship (c.£80 reaching £400 at year 5) until they complete their primary education, which not only
contemplates the basic basket but also opening a children’s savings account, jointly
with their parent or guardian, accessible only when the child reaches 18 years
of age.
In Mozambique only 4% of
children have access to pre-school education, perpetuating the poverty cycle. ALG
wants to change this reality by taking these children out of the streets and
providing them access to pre-school education and to school meals, in a safe and
didactic environment.
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