The Mili Milagros Scholarship

*Story by Jess' favorite sister Kim*

Mili (Milagros) and her mom, Mayra, have been a part of our family since we returned to Panama 10 years ago. Mayra picked the perfect name. Milagros ("miracles" in Spanish) is now 16 and has a noble soul that shines so brightly even strangers notice. When many things seemed dark and difficult, we found hope and joy in watching Mili’s brilliant light shine with a quality education. The Mili Milagros Scholarship supports that education. Join and grow our group of people who believe in the power of education for girls by donating today.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and schools shut down, Mili came to our house, made everything magical, and suddenly we had a teen living with us! When private schools were going virtual, Mili’s public school did nothing more than send periodic messages via whatsapp. We saw firsthand the level of education she was getting. Panama then became globally renowned as the country with public schools closed for the most days due to the pandemic (UNICEF 2021). To this day, Mili's original school has yet to open because there is still no water. This brilliant young woman cannot get lost in the education system. Last year, with the blessing of Mili's mom and the support of wonderful friends, the Mili Milagros Scholarship was started and helped Mili enroll in a private school in Panama City.

Mili is about to finish her first year (10th grade) at the Don Bosco Technical Institute where she spends half the day in class and the other half in a graphic arts workshop. All year we have watched her stay up late studying, waking up every day at 4:30 AM to catch the bus. She has made new friends, stands up for herself and her values (high school is hard everywhere), and has meaningful conversations with us in the kitchen. She found strength on the fútbol field, got her first job (as a reporter for the podcast EmpoderHadas) AND is getting stellar grades for the first. time. ever.

We invite you to join our Panama family and help us continue The Mili Milagros Scholarship. Donations go towards enrollment, monthly fees, materials, and expenses for 11th grade at Don Bosco, March-December 2023. With your donation, you will receive an original and limited edition print by the budding artist Mili. She is destined for Pixar Studios someday, so save it!

Thank you, Mayra, for sharing your daughter with us and for taking care of us all. Thank you to the original visionaries, Ale Franco, Adrian Limon, Susana del Granado, and Pedro Tichauer, for your love and continued support!

With love,

Kim & Rolo

"Man is a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom." Bahá’u’lláh