We share the testimony of Dayanne Rosales Soluco, a 4th grade high school student who visited a Special Basic Education Center in Marcavelica, Peru.
How important it is to be faithful in the little!
A few days ago I had the opportunity to visit the Centro de Educación Básica Especial (CEBE) in Marcavelica and it was one of the most enriching experiences of my life. At first I had doubts about whether I could really make a difference. But as I spent more time with the children and young people at CEBE, my doubts disappeared and I felt a homey, familiar atmosphere.
I remember Juan Diego, the little boy I was with throughout the day. The initial contact made me nervous. However, he himself made me feel at home and I think I made him feel comfortable with my presence, as he began to trust me. I learned that they worked “hand in hand,” which meant that I had to help him with his activities. But beyond helping him with his homework, the most important thing was to provide him with a space where he felt comfortable and confident.
On the other hand, there were the various commissions and work teams: prayer, crafts, refreshments, welcoming, etc. Each one of them made sure that our visit was a very nice experience for the children and young people. As the person in charge of the activities group, we carried out several pedagogical tasks so that we could spend many beautiful moments with the children who had been assigned to us at that time. Everything was very joyful and interesting, really one of the best moments of my life.
This experience really changed my mentality, because sometimes we believe that helping others involves great sacrifices, but it is enough to offer time, empathy and willingness to make a difference. Every action, no matter how small, has the power to impact someone in a profound way. The important thing is not the magnitude of the change we can generate, but the authenticity with which we do it. In the end, it is that moment where we discover that, by giving, we also grow as people, learn to value the simple and find a purpose beyond ourselves.
Dayanne Rosales Soluco
4th year high school student, Coor. High school youth community
