Charter of the Godmother
Alessandra CecĂlio Fonseca
I visited my godson… On May 1, 2012, after a month of planning, I had the great fortune and honor of personally knowing my sponsored child, Alberto, his family and the wonderful team of ASCOMED – Community Association of Medina, a city of the Jequitinhonha Valley, in the State of Minas Gerais. Undoubtedly, it was one of the most special moments of my life. I was welcomed at the bus station of Medina by Paula (ASCOMED coordinator) and by the pedagogic coordinator – two enlightened persons who dedicate their lives to that community. When I arrived at ASCOMED, I was surprised by a warm and hearty welcome, full of affection and care in every possible detail, from the entrance decorated with photos of Alberto to the delicious breakfast prepared with love by the canteen attendants. The space was thoroughly decorated with colorful ribbons, welcome banners, and the best of all: although it was a holiday, all the employees were there, with smiles in their eyes and open arms to welcome me. ASCOMED was full of children, accompanied by their families.
The meeting Alberto came unexpectedly from an adjacent room, shy and with a bouquet of handcrafted flowers in his little hands. When I saw him, I felt a kind of happiness so great that I can’t describe. Soon afterwards, I got to know his family: mother, uncles and aunts, cousins, siblings, and Ms. Maria Rita, the grandmother, a delightful, beautiful and strong woman who perfectly represents the brave women of the Valley, always with a smile on her face in spite of all the difficulties. At that moment I felt so proud to be part of the history of these people. The day proceeded full of surprises and joys; the ASCOMED team prepared an intense schedule of activities, including presentations of music, theater, judo, capoeira*, and games. I was delighted with the work developed in that community as well as with their demonstration of care and commitment in each and every activity carried out by the educators. I also had the opportunity to meet other children, each one with their particular story, but every one of them very excited and motivated by the team. *Afro-Brazilian style of Martial Arts, which is also popularly performed as choreographic dance.
Drought and difficulties The surprises did not end there, as Paula took me to visit and know the rural area of Medina, where the families are also assisted by the Affiliated Organization. This journey brought me varied emotions: I was impressed by the aridity of the place, without a drop of rain for nearly a year, but on the other hand I was amazed by the natural beauty, in spite of the climate difficulties. And, finally, I was extremely touched by the strength and bravery of the people who live there. At no time did I see anyone complaining; I visited three homes and their warrior families, with open smiles. I also had the chance to see the Culture House which was strategically planned to attend to the needs of the more remote communities administered by their own residents.
Tears of joy Returning to ASCOMED - community lunch, more cultural presentations, and a moving talk conducted by the team on the importance of the sponsors’ role to the work developed. At that time, there was no way, the Sponsor here let the tears fall openly. When I looked at the little face of Alberto, who has been part of my life for five years, and saw how he had grown, how smart he was, and how much good this project has done to him, it was impossible for me not to have been moved at it.
Time to say goodbye Here comes the hardest part: the farewell! Ah, what a complicated moment! Once more I was surprised, this time by a basket full of delicacies and handicrafts of the Valley and also by a beautiful gift from Grandma Maria Rita and the mother, Juscilene. I had to go back home, the whole day passed quickly but filled with strong emotions. It was worth every minute of planning and every second that I spent on the airplane and on the bus, anxious just like a child who knows that he/she is going to get a present.
Thanks I thank each and every one of the people who received me with so much generosity and love. I daily memorize the positive energies on their work. As I said on that day: You – ASCOMED team – are angels, with a beautiful mission in this crazy world. Strength always! Never give up and count on me. I also thank Alberto’s family for allowing me to participate in their lives and in his growth. Continue participating in the NGO’s everyday life, for you are very important. I thank my love Jack Lucas, for his fellowship and generosity as always, who accompanied me on this beautiful journey through the inland Minas Gerais. And, finally, I thank ChildFund for giving me this opportunity to make a difference.
Sponsorship I wish to put on record here the importance and the relevance of this small action of donating an amount monthly, as our role as sponsors through this gesture unfolds in something much greater and much more beautiful.
Alessandra CecĂlio Fonseca Sponsor of Alberto Junior Soares Dias