Our work around the world
• Special gifts • Nutrition programs • Grants • Catalogue gifts • Christmas fund • Community projects • Critical needs • Disaster relief • Human development programs COUNTRIES SITE
Funds allocated to each region include:
• Sponsorship
Funds allocated to each country **
3 sponsor sites
Lviv
Pochaiv
Ternopil
Sponsored children and elders
Pochaiv
Gift catalogue gives 40 children new reasons to smile. This year, 40 children with “critical” dental issues received visits to the dentist. “That is wonderful, because healthy teeth are not only beautiful; they are also very important for overall health,” says nine-year-old patient Zlatoslava. Site staff also ran workshops on the importance of oral health and hygiene. “Thank you again on behalf of myself and the other children who can now forget about toothaches and smile with joy.”
‘Hold on, Ukraine’ campaign breaks records. Chalice’s 2024 Giving Tuesday campaign, combined with a matching gift, raised $451,240.92 to help all our Ukrainian families persevere during harsh wartime conditions. December 3 was the busiest day ever for our website, and the largest single day of online giving we’ve ever had! “I am starting to believe in God in a new, better way,” said Roman, Pochaiv director, when he heard the news. “To all the people who joined this campaign - each and every one of you is in our hearts, the hearts of every chil d.”
Ternopil
Seven sponsored students receive Chalice support to continue their higher education. “These students could have lost the possibility to study,” says Khrystyna, Ternopil site director, “but now they can make their dreams of becoming specialists come true.” The site chose post-secondary students to receive gift catalogue support who otherwise had “no choice but to drop out and start working.” Dymytro, for example, lost both his parents to cancer in 2024, jeopardizing his future in seminary. The gift catalogue support ensured he could complete his degree. “Every day, I thank the Lord for everyone who puts their heart into helping deprived children all over the world,” he says. “Your support gives us hope for a better future.”
COUNTRY SNAPSHOT
232 family circles
5,512 health checkups were provided to sponsored children
97% of sponsored children were enrolled in school
711 sponsored children graduated secondary school
Sponsored boys 23 Sponsored elders
271 sponsored children graduated post-secondary school
18 beneficiaries had a medical critical need funded
“Thanks to you, I am studying, and my parents had the opportunity to receive treatment and be with us for a while longer.”
Dmytro, who receives support to continue his higher education.
The gift catalogue keeps Zlatoslava smiling bright.
Dmytro is following his call to the priesthood with the support of multiple Chalice programs.
11 sponsor sites Assam, Bangalore, Berhampur, Goa, Imphal, Kerala, Madurai, Mangalagiri, Nellore, Orissa, Tamil
10,141 Sponsored children and elders 5,963 Sponsored girls 4,027 Sponsored boys
151 Sponsored elders
Imphal
Imphal parents progress towards self-reliance. Almost 70 per cent of families have “actively embraced” trades such as vegetable vending (111 families), pineapple farming (110 families), agriculture (45 families), weaving (33 mothers), carpentry (20 families), and small shop management (9 families). The remaining 30 per cent of families have diversified into various income-generating activities, including driving, school van services, pig and chicken rearing, tailoring, and teaching. 90 per cent have adopted kitchen gardening, which “have emerged as vital sources of fresh, green, and nutrient-rich vegetables, contributing meaningfully to household health and food security.”
Mangalagiri, Assam, and Bangalore
85 families in Mangalagiri, Assam, and Bangalore sites move into new houses. Each site launched home-building projects last year for families living in the most precarious housing. Across the 85 houses, 225 men, women, children, and seniors now have a sturdy structure to face the elements. The families are all financially vulnerable, earning an average of C$730 per year from casual labour and low-wage jobs. These families “never imagined they would one day own a home,” says Sister Latha, Mangalagiri site director. “Through the Chalice community program, their dream has come true.”
Nellore
Nellore launches vital water project. Two rural hamlets experiencing a dangerous lack of access to safe water will soon have a reliable water supply system. The project will install water tanks near perennial water sources, channel it to a 2000-litre tank and then pipe it to taps installed at key locations for easy access. The new system will significantly decrease waterborne diseases, improve 250 villagers’ health and hygiene, and help the village’s students stay focused on their studies. It will reduce the burden of fetching water, giving women and girls more time for education and income-generating activities.
COUNTRY SNAPSHOT
“I no longer fear the
or the
714 sponsored children graduated secondary school
8,117 health checkups were provided to sponsored children 98% of sponsored children were enrolled in school
113 beneficiaries had a medical critical need funded 25 houses were built through our projects and programs
497 sponsored children graduated post-secondary school
My daughters are happy, and I feel a peace I have not known in years.”
Maimuda, mother of two sponsored children in Bangalore site.
Maimuda and her four daughters are thrilled with their home.
Members of the rural community of Nellore are fetching water.
rains
harsh sun.
3 sponsor sites
4,303 Sponsored children and elders 2,348 Sponsored girls 1,945 Sponsored boys 10 Sponsored elders
Samar
Gift catalogue has wide impact in Samar. Thanks to Chalice’s gift-givers, 28 Samar families “completely repaired” their houses, 20 built latrines, and four installed electricity connections. The site also helped eight families start their own businesses and gave Ella, who has cerebral palsy, a bed more suited to her needs. The site also improved the water collection system, which “resolved the site’s problem of water scarcity.”
Tondo
Bulacan
Nutrition month celebration inspires, informs, and delights. The Bulacan site went “all out” in an event that included contests for nutrition-themed posters, cooking, and Zumba dancing. “The cooking contest brought out some hidden culinary talents,” staff say, “with people whipping up nutritious dishes that left everyone craving seconds.” The Sampaloc Chalice family circle won the culinary challenge with their “pansit kalabasa” a shredded pumpkin noodle dish. “Most people consider them to be simple ingredients,” staff say, “however, they are quite nutritious and readily available on the market.”
“Zero Cavities, Phase III” finishes strong. The third installment of the Tondo site’s ongoing dental program saw 2,985 children and 21 adults receive checkups and treatments. A drop in cavities overall shows they are progressing towards their goal, which the site staff see as evidence that the parents are teaching oral health and children have developed better habits. “It is inspiring to envision a future where all children can grow up with healthy, cavity-free smiles,” says Eunice, Tondo site director. “Together, we are making significant strides towards a future where cavities are a thing of the past.”
COUNTRY SNAPSHOT
216 sponsored children graduated secondary school
3,659 health checkups were provided to sponsored children 100% of sponsored children were enrolled in school
127 sponsored children graduated post-secondary school
32 beneficiaries had a medical critical need funded 156 family circles
87,217 meals served 1 disaster fund
A Samar family is thrilled that their home has been fixed.
Sponsored student Nicole competed in the contest.
Tondo site’s “zero cavities” goal closer than ever.
3 sponsor sites
Haiti North
Haiti South
Saint Dominique
Haiti North
Every sponsored child receives a “feed a family” gift from gift catalogue. All 53 Chalice family circles in our Haiti North site decided to pool their funds and make a plan so they could buy their groceries in bulk, which is both efficient and ensures everyone gets an equal quantity. Each group planned a little differently, but all bought bulk quantities of essential staples including rice, cooking oil, noodles, canned milk, sardines, and crackers. “Thanks to you, hundreds of families were able to improve their access to food,” says Edley, Haiti North site director.
Haiti South
Haiti South program keeps 780 teens in school as fees skyrocket. Since 2022, standard Haitian school fees have risen 50-60 per cent. Tuition fees represent on average 15 per cent of income of a Haitian, making access to high school education particularly difficult for low-income families. The Haiti South site’s education support program gave 780 high school students funds to put towards their tuition and school supplies. “Without that support, my son should have dropped out of school this year,” said a parent. “We are grateful for this support which has lightened our burden.”
Saint Dominique
Education support program gets 100 children back to class. After violence forced our Saint Dominique site to move into Portau-Prince, they faced a shocking jump in education costs. They had to find quality schools in a time when tuition fees had risen by more than half. In year one, the staff couldn’t manage all their tuition fees, and children would be sent home. The children cried, and some missed months of class. Through Chalice’s program, 100 of the most vulnerable children (63 children from family homes, 37 from the orphanage) received the funds they needed to attend school, equipped with uniforms, shoes, books, and supplies. As soon as they received the funds, the children were back in class and stayed there for the rest of the year.
COUNTRY SNAPSHOT
126 sponsored children graduated secondary school
2,110 health checkups were provided to sponsored children 99% of sponsored children were enrolled in school
11 sponsored children graduated post-secondary school
“Thanks to you, hundreds of families were able to improve their access to
Eldery, Haiti North site director.
Families in Haiti North received essential groceries.
Children received books through the Chalice program.
food.”
3 sponsor sites
Nandom
Konta
Wa
Nandom
The Nandomkpee crèche daycare school opens doors for 600 young children. The community had no early childhood education or day programs, so the Nandom site built one. The crèche has classrooms, an administration block, and washrooms. They also installed a solar-powered borehole well, along with two 600-litre storage tanks. “[The daycare] made a positive impact in the community by increasing enrolment in school, access to good childcare, [and] improving early childhood education,” says Charles, Nandom site director.
Konta
Bumper crop from eRoots farms causing student bump, too. The produce from the Konta site’s school farms goes straight into the student’s meals. The promise of a hot, daily meal attracts students from all around — school enrolments this year increased from 694 to 754. The farming and nutrition programs “helped to feed minds and bodies while building brighter futures,” says Nicholas, Konta site director. “This program holds powerful potential to fight food insecurity and malnutrition.”
Wa
Chalice drills five borehole wells at five schools in Wa sponsor site. More than 1,200 schoolchildren at Kuukyileyir, Wechiau-Bao, Bankpama, Chogsia, and Yuonuur schools now have access to safe and potable drinking water. Before Chalice drilled the well, their schools “did not have a water source and the students had to walk long distances to access clean water,” Wa site staff say. The wells have “been a game-changer for the school and community... the students no longer have to miss classes to collect water.”
COUNTRY SNAPSHOT
98% of sponsored children were enrolled in school
744,184 meals served
66 sponsored children graduated post-secondary school
339 health checkups were provided to sponsored children
378 sponsored children graduated secondary school 3 beneficiaries had a medical critical need funded
“Children will no longer need to spend valuable study time searching for water and the schools have better access to water needs” Pele, Wa site director.
Outdoor playtime at Nandomkpee creche school.
Tanks full of fresh water from the well are a “game-changer.”
9 sponsor sites
Asembo
Baraka
Mercy Care
Starehe Girls
Mikinduri
Mombasa
Nairobi
Saidia
Starehe Girls
Meru
6,975 Sponsored children and elders 3,647 Sponsored girls 3,286 Sponsored boys 42 Sponsored elders
Canadian students boost Starehe Girls’ nutrition. Starehe students often come from food insecure homes and histories of malnutrition; the effects can linger as deficiencies and illnesses for months or years. Students in British Colombia taking part in the Chalice in Schools program supplied the Starehe clinic with supplements including magnesium, calcium, and iron. Sister Jane, Starehe Girls’ director, says these supplements create a “solid foundation” for the girls’ health. “Your support is invaluable in helping us offer a nurturing, health-conscious environment where our students can thrive.”
Asembo
Gift catalogue reaches the margins. Thanks to Chalice gift catalogue donors, 217 Asembo site students never again have to fear being sent home for a lack of school fees. Almost 50 students are now taking job-ready technical and vocational courses such as electronics and civil engineering, software, construction, hospitality, and tourism. Almost 170 high school students received support, which helps with their tuition, meals, and accommodation. Students feel secure at school and are better able to concentrate and succeed. “Chalice’s support goes beyond financial aid,” says Sister Pauline, site director. “It is a demonstration of care, solidarity, and belief in the potential of every child, regardless of their background.”
Mikinduri
School gardens bring in bumper crop of students. The Mikinduri site helped Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Kamuyine, Mikinduri, and Akaiga Primary Schools launch their school farms in January 2025. Their harvests of kale, spinach, peas, and pumpkins ensure the schools can serve a hot meal to every student, every day, for the whole term. Each school garden supplied the school kitchen with a minimum of seven kilograms of fresh vegetables every day. Across the four schools, student enrollment has increased by 16 per cent since 2023.
COUNTRY SNAPSHOT
97% of sponsored children were enrolled in school
34 beneficiaries had a medical critical need funded 3,070,844 meals served
237 sponsored children graduated post-secondary school
396 sponsored children graduated secondary school
3,550 health checkups were provided to sponsored children
“Your support ensured that these students remained in school for the full academic term, uninterrupted.”
Sister Pauline, Asembo site director.
Asembo students continue to attend secondary school.
Minkinduri students showing their cabbage crop.
2 sponsor sites
2,031 Sponsored children and elders 1,182 Sponsored girls
Neema
Books and beds enhance St. Xavier’s Secondary. A shortage of books at St. Xavier’s School in our Neema, Tanzania site meant that many students were sharing one book and could only learn in clusters. Studying at home was impossible. Through the gift catalogue, the site gave St. Xavier’s 40 books that, “will motivate students to learn, enable them to study for exams, and result in better academic performance!” says Sister Celine, Neema site director. The catalogue also provided 20 mattresses for the boys’ school hostel and 10 additional beds for the community where they were most needed.
Donors help priest-led school through growing pains. St. Peter Claver Primary School was founded in 2021 by a local priest and is attracting students with its Chalice-supported feeding program. Their soaring enrollment overextended their supply of dormitory beds, dishes, and utensils. Further, extended drought depleted their farm harvest, and their meal supplies dwindled. Chalice donors, through the Mbinga site, stepped in to provide bed repairs, mattresses, spoons, cups, and plates and supported St. Peter’s meal program with 20 bags of maize, a bag of beans, 2.5 bags of rice, and 25 litres of cooking oil.
Mbinga
Gift catalogue gives 345 children in Mbinga site a timely checkup. A doctor checked every child’s heart, eyes, and ears. Depending on how the children said they were feeling, the doctors could test for malaria, infections, parasites, blood pressure, iron, typhoid, and HIV. They referred the children for further care when needed. The checkups uncovered important and time-sensitive health issues that might not otherwise have received treatment until it was too late. A nurse also ran workshops for children on topics like disease prevention, exercise, healthy eating, and hygiene.
COUNTRY SNAPSHOT
380,113 meals served
2,558 health checkups were provided to sponsored children
100% of sponsored children were enrolled in school
106 sponsored children graduated secondary school
Sponsored boys 17 Sponsored elders
and early-detection.
96 sponsored children graduated post-secondary school
106 sponsored children graduated secondary school
“The children, the staff, and the management of St. Peter Clavers Primary School convey their sincere appreciation and deep gratitude to {Chalice donors.}” Fr. Yuda, Mbinga site director.
Neema Mbinga
No more vying for scarce books at St. Xavier’s Secondary School
Doctor’s orders: prevention
2 sponsor sites
Kawambwa Serenje
Kawambwa
56 vulnerable women and youth complete vocational course in tailoring or food production. From January to June 2025, Kawambwa site’s “School on Wheels” program opened the door to new opportunities through skills training and certification. The 26 students in food production learned key subjects like cooking, food costing, nutrition, and hygiene. The 30 design and tailoring students learned everything from design to garment production. All 56 students took part in courses on communication, numeracy, business skills/planning, and goal setting. Successful participants will earn an official certificate recognizing their qualifications. Grace, a student in the food production program, says “these skills have transformed my life.” After finishing the course, she was quickly hired as a hospitality assistant at a local hotel.
Fresh water flows from new borehole well at St. Mary’s School for the Visually Impaired. The pumps will supply water to about 800 people in the school, teachers’ residence, and neighbouring church community. Previously, water scarcity and electrical supply disruptions to the pump caused frequent water shortages. The borehole pump will enhance irrigation for Chalice’s school farming (eRoots) program, a two-hectare school farm and vegetable garden. This will boost crop productivity, improve students’ meals, reduce food budgets, thereby freeing resources for other improvements. “The successful implementation of the solar
Sponsored boys 2 Sponsor sites
pump,” says Sister Agnes, Kawambwa site director, “marks a crucial milestone in enhancing the living conditions and educational environment at St. Mary’s School for the Visually Impaired.”
Serenje
New St. Theresa’s school dining hall hailed a “remarkable transformation.”
Prior to the new hall, children ate their daily lunches in hallways or on the ground outside. Through the gift catalogue, the Serenje sponsor site built a sheltered dining area. Teachers are reporting that a more comfortable and orderly lunchtime has given the children better appetites, concentration, attitudes, and physical energy. “Your support has not only provided physical infrastructure but has sown restored happiness in the hearts of the children,” says Lydia, a teacher. “We are deeply grateful for your compassion and commitment to their future.”
COUNTRY SNAPSHOT
76 family circles
283 sponsored children graduated secondary school 505,182 meals served
907 health checkups were provided to sponsored children 99% of sponsored children were enrolled in school
81 sponsored children graduated post-secondary school
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Chalice {donors} for their generous support, which has made this project possible The Kawambwa staff say.
“Transformative” and job-ready skills on the menu.
Water to wash and drink, even during power outages.
1 sponsor site Luis Amigó
Luis Amigó
Relevant workshops are hitting their targets. The Luis Amigó site team frequently runs workshops for both children and parents, and they are seeing their impact. The 75 parents who took the “Leadership and Teamwork” session improved their decisionmaking, collaboration, and fiscal management skills. Almost 40 attended the Human Trafficking session and one family circle put on their own, called “Breaking the Barriers of the Art of Cooking.” Site staff say the workshops have increased parents’ engagement in their children’s education, improved at-home nutrition and hygiene, and helped more sponsored students finish their school year.
COUNTRY SNAPSHOT
Field trip to Indigenous Mayan conservation park inspires new respect for forests. Site staff took sponsored children on an exciting outing to a regional park on protected ancestral land. Brimming with diverse animals and plants, it was a perfect place for the children to reflect on their role as stewards of nature. They learned about illegal tree-cutting, the importance of reforestation, and most importantly, solidarity, friendship, respect, and cooperation.
Daily nutrition for 50 children continues to be “great blessing.” The Luis Amigó site’s nutrition program serves 50 malnourished children a hot breakfast and lunch every day at the at the Andrés Girón Dining Hall. “This support, along with the support of the Luis Amigó site and the guidance of the nutritionist, has been a great blessing for our family,” says Londy Mileidy, a mother of children in the program. “Thanks to the kind-hearted people, my children are in good health, have improved their academic performance, and show more energy and joy.”
63 sponsored children graduated secondary school
12 health checkups were provided to sponsored children 99% of sponsored children were enrolled in school
1 beneficiary had a medical critical need funded 6,810 meals served
46 sponsored children graduated post-secondary school
“May God continue to bless you greatly so that you can continue supporting many underprivileged children.”
Londy Mileidy, a mother of children in the program.
Nursing students conducted health training workshops.
Students connect to the forests in a new way.
“Cheers!” to nutrition at the Andrés Girón Dining Hall.
6 sponsor sites
Tukuy
Children and teens with disabilities thrive in home physiotherapy sessions. More than 150 sponsored children with disabilities in Tukuy site attend an education centre and/ or therapeutic and artistic sessions. Tukuy offered home services to 34 children. Their sessions not only focus on rehabilitation and independence but also guide families on providing the right support for their loved ones. In 2025, the site launched a new therapeutic support and stimulation program for 60 children and teens. Physio and speech therapists will create individualized plans for each participant to support their gross motor, fine motor, and/ or language development.
Yapacaní
Yapacaní site combines construction and after-school programming after seeing a major slump in grades after COVID. Starting in February 2025, Chalice and the site built two new classrooms and a washroom block. Starting in April, 150 students new come for two hours of math, snack break, and language class twice a week. “Their achievements are small,” says Emi, a program leader, “but significant in terms of participation in classes, showing interest and doing individual and group work.” The program leaders will launch a “Parent’s School” in the second semester to address low rates of literacy among adults.
Guadalupe
Mothers can ‘see the light’ through STEAM courses. Since 2021, the Guadalupe site in La Paz has worked with local partners to offer science, tech, engineering and math (STEAM) programs for everyone in the sponsorship program. In 2024, they decided to expand the program from youth-only to include mothers. The team ran five electrical workshops for 20 women in rural communities where they learned a variety of useful skills, from spotting potential problems, safety, and installing spotlights, wires, and switches. “My main motivation was not to depend on men,” says Alejandra, a mother and learner. “I believe that women can also be independent to carry out these types of activities.”
COUNTRY SNAPSHOT
97% of sponsored children were enrolled in school
18 beneficiaries had a medical critical need funded 190 family circles
71 sponsored children graduated post-secondary school
229 sponsored children graduated secondary school
1,938 health checkups were provided to sponsored children
“I have learned not only to overcome obstacles, but also to discover my true potential Nilda, sponsored child, Tukuy Pacha site.
Ana Maria hones her motor skills with her physiotherapist and mother.
New space and dedicated tutors are motivating students to reach high.
2 sponsor sites
Chiclayo Cañete
Chiclayo
Teen arts program off to a promising start. The Chiclayo site launched its 3-year program that brings together 63 Peruvian and Venezuelan teenagers, organized into dance, music, and theatre groups. The site designed the program to help teens (both local and those from migrant families) develop leadership and intercultural communication skills through arts and cultural experiences. There were early conflicts and prejudices between the two nationalities, but the staff built trust by starting weekly 30-minute ‘listening spaces’ where the teens could share about what was troubling them. With better understanding and compassion, the teens are forming friendships quickly.
Early detection checkups prevent serious conditions. As part of their sponsorship programming, almost 670 sponsored children in the Chiclayo site went for checkups, including anemia and parasite screening. Thanks to their proactive approach, 123 children started treatment before their condition became serious. Parents who needed to buy medication were able to do so independently, either through their sponsorship savings, or the emergency funds they’d saved through their small business. “I’m grateful to the site for promoting this initiative,” says Edy, a mother of three girls. “It’s the only way we can all stay protected.”
Cañete
An illuminated community springs to life. For years, the families of the “23 de Febrero” human settlement lacked water, sanitation, electricity, and light after sunset. Streets emptied at night and worried mothers kept their children inside fearing accidents or crime. The Cañete site’s “Rays of the Future” project installed 20 solar-powered lighting poles at strategic points within the settlement. Now residents move around freely and fearlessly after dark; children play and study together. “Now our children no longer live in shadows,” says Janeth, who has a light post in front of her home. “Thank you, Chalice. You gave us back the light and our faith.”
COUNTRY SNAPSHOT
49 family circles
70 sponsored children graduated secondary school
98% of sponsored children were enrolled in school
1,555 health checkups were provided to sponsored children
13 sponsored children graduated post-secondary school
44,520 meals served
2 beneficiaries had a medical critical need funded
293 beneficiaries of nutrition programs
Peruvian and Venezuelan teens unite through dance and drama classes.
Mothers prepare the poles for the 20 new solar lights.
Blood tests catch parasites and anemia before symptoms become serious.
2 sponsor sites Arica Santiago Arica
1,337 Sponsored children and elders 656 Sponsored girls
Leonor turns 101! Arica sponsor site staff first met the then-76year-old Leonor in 1997 when she was starting to prepare Chalice sponsorship applications for the burgeoning Arica site, which would open in 2000. “Doña Leonor” was one of the first elders sponsored through the site. “Cheerful and positive” Leonor has always been an active member of her Catholic community and her parish’s seniors club. She still lives independently and likes to read, cook, listen to “old music,” and spoil her grandchildren. “I want to thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for the care you have given me all these years,” Leonor says to her Chalice supporters. “You are my angels on Earth, and you make me feel that God is immensely great and generous through Chalice.
Santiago
Disaster relief for wildfire survivors. Through livelihood gift catalogue items, the Santiago team gave more than 60
611 Sponsored boys
70 Sponsored elders
families the tools, including sewing machines, electric ovens, and mixers, to grow their small businesses. The site also offered virtual workshops such as “Starting My Business,” “Profitability,” and “Social Media Entrepreneurship,” taught by professionals in the field. “Starting a business with the right tools is a way to regain hope,” says Maribel, a mother-entrepreneur. “This support means independence, dignity, and real opportunities for our families.”
COUNTRY SNAPSHOT
99% of sponsored children were enrolled in school
73 sponsored children graduated secondary school
Santiago site spreads gift catalogue support to 3,500 migrants in dire conditions. Not far from their site office, 1,200 migrant families live in Chile’s largest migrant camp, Millantú. Word reached the Santiago team that camp had no drinking water. Through the gift catalogue, the Santiago team delivered 150 jugs of water and 30 boxes of food for the 3,500 people in need. “This support came at a much-needed time,” says Evelyn, the camp director. “Here we must conserve every drop of water, and there are many families who simply have nothing to eat. Chalice’s support is a welcome relief.”
29 sponsored children graduated post-secondary school
3,188 health checkups were provided to sponsored children
9 beneficiaries had a medical critical need funded
53 family circles
“Thanks to you, I am now a university professional. I feel deeply grateful and blessed. May God reward you for all the good you do!” Florentina, sponsored child in Arica site.
Faith, family, and friendship are Leonor’s ‘secrets’ to longevity.
Water and food came at a dire time in the Millantú camp.
4 sponsor sites
Ayolas CMAVIL
Don Bosco
Ayolas
Pukavy
Sponsored children and elders
Sponsored girls
Sponsored boys 254 Sponsored elders
Salesian Festive Oratory activities bring communities together for faith and fun. The Ayolas site team always enjoys gathering children for days of prayer, games, and snacks. Both sponsored and non-sponsored children get to take part. In the spring, they held a community event to make “chipa” a traditional baked cheese treat associated with Holy Week. They celebrated in honour of the Virgin Mary in May, celebrating with treats after Mass. The site staff see these times as moments for children and adults to form values, grow in their Christian faith, and become “honest citizens.”
CMAVIL
CMAVIL Open Centre lunch program re-energizes children. About 80 children a day come to the Open Centre “Niño Salvador del Mundo” for the periods they are not in school. Chalice has been supporting the Centre’s lunch program for almost a decade and recently renewed the program for three more years. Last year, 90 per cent of children improved their nutritional status. In June 2025, they saw that 64 per cent of children were a healthy weight, up from 54 per cent four months earlier. What’s visible is “the children’s increased vitality and energy,” says Sister Marcelina, and their “greater enthusiasm” for school and Centre activities. The staff get the children to create dishes, an engaging way to get them interested in cooking skills, menu planning, and making the best use of ingredients.
Pukavy
Pukavy site extends the support of the gift catalogue to young indigenous university students. The students were able to cover tuition and buy simple laptops, “that are of great value for their studies,” staff say. One student, Felix, is grateful for the support as he takes his first steps into seminary studies for the priesthood. The gift catalogue also supported the San Pedro de Ykuamandyju to build bathrooms, install drinking fountains, restock hospitals, and repair roads.
COUNTRY SNAPSHOT
100% of sponsored children were enrolled in school
183 sponsored children graduated secondary school
36 sponsored children graduated post-secondary school
4,970 health checkups were provided to sponsored children
14 beneficiaries had a medical critical needs funded
57,819 meals served
“Throughout these years, thanks to the Nutrition Program, many children at risk of malnutrition have recovered” Lic. González, District Nutritionist in CMAVIL site.
Felix serves at Mass in his local parish.
Daily lunch at the Open Centre is improving students’ energy and academics.
