Yes — there is also good news! Basically, there is always some; you just read about it far too rarely. We have already reported so often on the valuable work of the Children’s Future Foundation and “our” Aldea Infantil: Now it’s time to present the wonderful results — young people who have found their way into a promising future. We have selected two of them today. They are living examples of how life’s obstacles can be successfully overcome through loving support, adequate education and a freely developed personality.
From the children’s village to management: Paula Francisca
Paula was three years old when a saving angel in the form of a neighbour intervened and changed her life forever. Until then, she had experienced nothing but poverty, neglect and violence at the hands of her overburdened single mother in her home town in Guatemala. At some point, the neighbour became aware of the situation and took her case to the children’s and youth court to save little Paula from these terrible circumstances.
So in 2001 she came to our village, the Aldea Infantil. Here she was finally allowed to live, be a child and develop. She developed an infectious cheerfulness and became an excellent pupil thanks to her intelligence. In 2017, she graduated from a technical school specialising in marketing and began studying hotel management, tourism and gastronomy.
Over the years, Paula grew into a self-confident young woman and decided in her seventh semester to set up her own life outside the children’s village. She wanted to get to know the world “outside” and go her own way — to grow, gain experience and understand herself better. With financial start-up support from the foundation and a great deal of personal commitment, she succeeded in taking this step. Today she is 27 years old — and recently graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from the Mariano Gálvez University of Guatemala.

From street kid to graphic designer: Alberto
Poverty, hunger, lack of prospects — this is how Alberto’s life began in Guatemala. He grew up without a father and his mother was an alcoholic. Until he was 11 years old, he practically had to fend for himself . But in the midst of all this misery, he discovered a passion for himself: art. And he was lucky: in 2009 he was able to move into the Aldea Infantil at the age of 11. There, his interest in drawing and photography helped him to come to terms with his past and develop a perspective for the future.
Alberto’s life might still have been different if a couple had not adopted him as a godchild. Their support gave him the chance of a better future. With great ambition and tireless dedication, he realised his dream: after graduating from art college, he also successfully completed his degree in graphic design last December. Today, at 27, he has started his professional life — eager to bring his creativity to the world.
Targeted and personalised help — as a sponsor
The Kinderzukunft Foundation’s sponsorship programme offers you the opportunity to help a child directly. With just 39 euros a month, you can provide basic care for your sponsored child and accompany them on their way to a dignified future. You are of course welcome to become even more involved: With 300 euros, you can cover the child’s entire accommodation, care and support for one month. Higher contributions are also welcome — for example for a training or study reserve.
However, sponsorship is much more than a financial transaction: personal contact with your sponsored child is highly appreciated and is supported by the foundation through volunteer translators. There is regular correspondence between many sponsors and their sponsored children, which becomes a real relationship over the years. Visits to the Aldea Infantil are also possible; as soon as the situation in Guatemala allows it again, the foundation organises project trips like the one where Daniel Bauer was able to gain such great experiences in 2023 ((Link2)).
In addition to personal sponsorships, the Children’s Future Foundation also offers other models for long-term support. For example, Valdivia as a company has taken on the sponsorship of a group house. Simply ask Mrs Berding about your options: Phone +49 (0) 6051 48 18 14, e‑mail vera.berding@kinderzukunft.de
Stiftung Kinderzukunft
Rabenaustraße 1a, D‑63584 Gründau
Vera Berding
Head of Marketing and Public Relations
Phone: +49 60 51 48 18 14
Fax: +49 60 51 48 18 10
E‑mail: vera.berding@kinderzukunft.de
Web: www.kinderzukunft.de ((Link3))
Donation account: Commerzbank Hanau
IBAN: DE79 5064 0015 0222 2222 00
BIC: COBADEFFXXX
Please state “Valdivia Future — Children’s Village Guatemala” as treference.
(Image source: Stiftung Kinderzukunft)