Bata Children´s Program helps children from Quillacollo, the town where the Bata factory (Manaco) is located through scholarships for students that are not children from our workers, for them to attend to Thomas Bata Primary School.

Maria del Carmen and Wenddy Flores, the psychologist.

Maria Del Carmen is a 9 year old girl that was benefitted with one of the scholarships this year. She suffers from epilepsy since she was three years old and her family has to buy an expensive medication for her.

Maria´s mother is a single mom who had very little chance to work since she needed to be all the time available to pick her daughter up from school in case of an epilepsy event and to be always at home with her. Fortunately, these events are less violent and less frequent as well.

Maria´s mother: “I decided to make a great effort and register Maria in Thomas Bata Primary school because friends in town told me that it was a very good school and that kids were respected by teachers and students as well, even if they were sick and I will never regret my decision then. This year it was harder for me, that´s why I requested the scholarship to the Bata Children´s Program for Maria to remain in the Thomas Bata School.”

It is easier for Maria del Carmen to express her thoughts and feelings through drawing and writing.

“I like the school very much. It is clean and I learn a lot and the teacher is very patient. I love my friends in here. They accept me as I am. I love Wenddy (the psychologist) she listens to my problems. I give her cards and letters and I can always go to her or to any teacher or the principal when I have headaches or if my heart freaks out. They give me some herbal tea or water and call my mom. Thank you for allowing me to stay here!” says Maria.