Ours starts similarly to how any conversation between two strangers begins. What’s your name? How old are you? What’s your favorite color? The only difference – I am in a foreign land, sweating profusely, and I am thinking of questions to interest a 13-year old boy. That was five years ago on my first trip to India,… Read more
Pops of color and the waving streamers stuck out against a crisp, blue Haitian sky. Giggles from the children who fashioned the handmade kites rang out, and Back2Back staff took in the moment before explaining the purpose behind kite flying. It was an Easter celebration for children at a partnering children’s home, but the lessons… Read more
52. 28. 20. 8. 7. 1. To an unknowing eye, these are just numbers – there is no link between them, there is no meaning behind them. To the Foster Care team in Monterrey, Mexico, however, they’re game-changing figures, transforming the status quo for orphan care. Children are being placed with safe families, and raised… Read more
“Close your eyes,” Swanta Zakka, Back2Back staff, said quietly to the group of teens. “Imagine a skill you wish you had; think about what obstacles are between you and learning that skill. Now, open your eyes. Who wants to share?” Swanta has been leading life skills groups with children and teens at the education center…. Read more
The Strong Families Program in India has allowed staff to witness the dedication of the students who are given fresh opportunities to pursue their educational dreams. Even when school went virtual for the students, they remained focused on their studies and asked for helping when it was needed. Adya*, a young girl in the program,… Read more
Comfort, a caregiver at a partnering children’s home, noticed early on in lockdown teens were trying to find new rhythms while being stuck inside. It started slowly – energy was high from lack of activity, and then became disruptive. Fits of frustration and lashing out were regular occurrences, and Comfort knew something was needed to… Read more
The aroma in the slums is strong. Daily, men faithfully show up to sort through remnants of leftovers and recyclable materials, taking their job seriously. It’s with this work they care for their families – the sorting and piling, and like any job, there are advantages and disadvantages. To abate the smell of what they’re… Read more
As Hope Education Program students are returning to university and living away from the campus they’ve called home for so many years, they are building new and lasting relationships. One young man, Ari*, recently celebrated his birthday, but due to restrictions, his mentor wasn’t able to be with him in person. Birthdays have always been… Read more
The three young children show a new, contagious confidence when they speak now. Previously, their talking was slow, labored – the children had to work hard to find the right words and put together full sentences. Staff at the partnering children’s home knew they needed assistance, and they needed it quickly. Holistic care for vulnerable… Read more
We all have external senses – vision, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. For a child with minimal trauma, sensory processing can be easy. They are able to act, and react appropriately and can learn through their senses. Adversely, for a child with significant trauma, their senses are negatively impacted and this creates issues with their… Read more