At 11 years-old, Miguel is the eldest son of the Argota family. Two years ago he began helping his father and mother with masonry tasks, thanks to the support of Esperança.
Miguel was born with a cleft lip and palate, and in his home country of Bolivia individuals with this condition are often ostracized from society, unable to work or marry. Thankfully, Miguel was one of many children who received reconstruction surgeries from Esperança’s volunteer surgical teams and has been able to live a normal life.
Miguel is also short for his age, which indicates that he had chronic malnutrition in his first years of life, as is commonly the case with many children born with cleft lips. Despite his short stature and his difficulties in communicating, he is studying and is currently in his third year of primary school.
With work limited and school closed due to COVID-19, Miguel and his family were frantic supplementary income. Fortunately, Esperança came to his aid again to deliver one of 700 food boxes – one month’s supply of nutritious food. Miguel was overwhelmed.
“I love my brothers more than anything and I can’t wait to share this special blessing with them.”
