BACKPACKS OF DREAMS - Help children & youths!

Hi there,

I wanted to share a heartfelt story with you — a living example of what your support for our project to help children and adolescents return to school is doing.

At Colegio Betania, part of Fundación Súmate, a group of young people who once dropped out or faced barriers to education have just graduated from high school. For many, this was more than finishing school — it was reclaiming a future.

One young man, for instance, had to juggle work and childcare, and lost his chance at finishing school. Thanks to Betania’s “second-chance” model, he was able to re-enroll under a flexible schedule, catch up, and now proudly holds his diploma. Another young person, who left school after repeated bullying and instability, returned this year — and walked across the stage with hope and new plans ahead.

Their families, teachers and classmates celebrated with tears, flowers, embraces and joy. The ceremony was full of emotion — not just for the diploma, but for the transformation: from exclusion, uncertainty and obstacles, to recognition, belonging and opportunity.

Because of you, we’re helping rebuild lives. Your support gives these young people more than a piece of paper — it gives them dignity, a second chance, and hope to dream again.

From all of us, thank you for believing in second chances, in education, and in the potential of every child.

We also want to let you know that today is a special day, as GlobalGiving is celebrating Giving Tuesday, and if you donate to this cause, GlobalGiving will match your contribution. What do you say?

DONATE HERE: BACKPACKS OF DREAMS - Help children & youths

With heartfelt gratitude,
Hogar de Cristo

Hi there,

I wanted to personally share a meaningful update on a promising initiative you helped bring to life through our Backpacks of Dreams project.

In June 2025, Hogar de Cristo formalized a partnership between Fundación Súmate and Fundación Presente to strengthen school attendance and prevent dropout among young people who have left or are at risk of leaving the education system.

This alliance brings together Fundación Presente’s proven expertise in boosting attendance with Súmate’s educational re-entry programs. Their tools and methodologies are now helping us build stronger support systems and strategies to keep students engaged and learning.

Rebeca Molina, Executive Director of Fundación Presente, shared:

“Working with Fundación Súmate is a natural step after our previous collaborations. We’re confident this agreement will deepen learning and benefit many young people across Chile.”

Paula Montes, Executive Director of Fundación Súmate, added:

“This alliance gives us concrete tools to encourage attendance and continuity. It’s an urgent need—to build conditions that support real learning and inclusion for young people.”

Thanks to your support, we’re helping young people return to school and stay there—restoring their right to learn, dream, and build a better future.

With heartfelt gratitude,
Hogar de Cristo