We’re so thankful for everyone who came alongside Unity 4 Orphans in 2024, helping to transform the lives of over 1,500 vulnerable children! Meet four amazing kids whose futures will be brighter thanks to the support they received.
Last year brought challenges and triumphs, the latter in the incredible growth of our in-country partner network and the number of children we helped together. Children vulnerable to abandonment, abuse, lack of education, and malnutrition throughout Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Panama were blessed by U4O’s holistic approach.
Children in El Salvador Learned ESL and Gained Self-Confidence
Our English as a second language program in El Salvador has already produced impressive results in less than a year. Vulnerable children gather weekly for a Saturday program to help them belong, play, and envision possibilities beyond the poverty surrounding them.
By learning English they’ll have better job opportunities and be less vulnerable to human trafficking, abuse, gang violence, and forced migration.
–Becky, El Salvador Program Director
One standout student from El Salvador is 13-year-old Emily, whose English skills grew immensely after only a few months in the program. Program partner Becky assigned Psalms to help the children learn to speak English while simultaneously teaching them about God’s love. Emily dreams of becoming an English teacher to help others break free from poverty through education.
From An Orphanage in Mexico to Law School Graduate Thanks to U4O
The children we serve at orphanages throughout Tijuana have experienced trauma and our Mexico team is passionate about showing them they are loved and valued. Through our holistic program set, orphaned and vulnerable children learn how to heal and build healthy families and futures.
The support from Unity 4 Orphans helped me concentrate on getting good grades throughout the race. God gives strength, bravery, and courage to stand out in a world where you may not have the necessary tools. He brought the right people to help me excel in my career.
–Jose Manuel
In 2024 one of our earliest transformation stories came full circle when Jose Manuel, a young man who grew up in a Tijuana orphanage, graduated from Law School. Jose was a shy child, but longtime U4O supporters noticed his leadership skills and perseverance amidst difficult circumstances. With ongoing encouragement and guidance Jose was able to break the cycle of poverty and trauma to reach for a brighter future.
Nicaragua Program Transformed Lives Through ESL and Counseling
Our flagship ESL program in Miramar, Nicaragua has been transforming vulnerable children’s lives for eight years. Program director Laigthany shares our mission to break cycles of poverty through education and believes in the power of ESL to redirect futures. Over the years this program has produced teaching interns, ESL teachers, and many students who were empowered to attend university and seek out opportunities for solid employment.
I always talk with the kids and tell them that the opportunities I’ve had are because I speak English. I have 18 years of work experience and since I decided to work in English I haven’t had a month without a job.
–Laigthany, Nicaragua Program Director
One of our favorite success stories is that of Karina, who began our program knowing no English and will complete the last level of our ESL course by the time she graduates high school. The Nicaragua team has watched an unsure girl become a confident young woman who succeeds in high school and helps younger students learn ESL. Karina will soon graduate from high school and wants to study architecture at university.
A Young Artist in Panama Found a Safe Space to Learn and Grow
In Curundu, Panama City children are regularly in harm’s way between domestic violence in their homes and clashes between drug cartels and law enforcement in the streets. Sounds of gunshots are common and parks are unsafe places to play, with gangs recruiting and harassing children. Our partners at Juntos Podemos tirelessly provide a safe space for kids to learn and play, and in 2024 we hired 3 counselors to help them process and overcome trauma.
I fight for this program because of the kids. We would love to begin the ESL course and teach the children art and music. Panama doesn’t have these in public schools or after-school programs.
–Enrique, Program Director, Juntos Podemos
Students like 13-year-old Joshua are growing up in an unstable environment punctuated by fear. The Saturday program in Panama provides a safe place with caring adult mentors who foster his God-given artistic talents and teach him to believe in himself and his future potential. Through counseling, tutoring, and the ability to just be a kid, children like Joshua can envision futures beyond what they’ve seen around them.
Over the past 15 years, we have helped countless vulnerable children like Emily, Jose, Karina, and Joshua through our holistic programs. Our organization has been blessed with tremendous growth in our program set and incredible partner network. We’re thankful to the U4O community and above all, give God the glory for the great things He has done for the children in our care.