Meet Leonardo!

Leonardo, born on March 14th, 1999, is an original VISEDAL scholar. He is the oldest boy in his family, but he has an older sister, Sonia. His younger siblings are his brother Isaac, sister Nadiuska, and little brother Brad Dylan. All of them are VISEDAL scholars. Nadiuska joined in 2011, and Brad Dylan in 2014, while the rest were with us from the beginning. Leonardo enjoys playing with his friends and siblings and doing all of his homework so he has time to play. His favorite foods are fried plantains (called maduro), chicken, fried cheese, and gallo pinto (a mix of fried rice and beans). As a younger kid, Leo used to have some difficulties in his studies. But over the years, we have seen him succeed and become a good student. He will hopefully go on to college in the future, and he hopes to be a lawyer or an engineer so he can support his family.

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January 2015

Hello. How are you? My name is Leo. So, I wanted to tell you all about my Christmas. Well, it was great  because I was with the VISEDAL volunteers again and I feel happy and proud because I graduated this year. I’m very happy that God let us see another year and helps me move towards my goal of going to college so I can feel proud. Much love, Leo. I carry you in my heart and mind because you help us become someone in life. Goodbye and Happy New Year. God bless.

August 2014

Leonardo has to be one of our most impressive scholars over the past few months. We’ve seen such growth in his character. Leonardo is older than everyone at his school, due to missing a couple years of school as a kid when he used to work to help his family. Before, Leo used to let that bother him. Now, however, Leo embraces being the oldest student, and he has become an influential leader at his school. He loves dancing, especially breakdance, and he has been able to use that passion in his school. Our July volunteer group was fortunate enough to visit his school on a Friday, which is when they sometimes have activities. We all got to see Leo dance for his whole school, and it was amazing to see the respect that the rest of the students have for him. We’re excited to see Leo continue to be a leader not only at school but also at home and in VISEDAL as a whole. Leo is excited about our new Casa VISEDAL, a space we are opening up with computers and counseling. 

January 2014

Leonardo has really grown up. Although he is quiet, he is a leader in his family. He finished his school year with success, and he will be finishing elementary school this year. Leo has a servant heart and is often found helping his mom, dad, and siblings with various tasks. He used to struggle in school, but he has been making great progress and hopes to do even better in high school. He loves staying active, and plays a lot of soccer and basketball. He’s also been learning breakdance with other kids in his neighborhood. Leo wants to be a good example to his younger brother Isaac, and even to his older sister Sonia. He really hopes to see his family grow closer to one another this year. 

Leonardo's Video for his Sponsors, July 2013

May 2013

Hello. How are you all doing? How was your Semana Santa (Holy Week)? It went very well for me. I went with my family and we swam in the ocean. When I returned to school, it went very well for me. Right now I have exams. I am studying a lot and forcing myself to do well.

I went with my cousins to play soccer and basketball. My brothers and sisters are playing and studying a lot too. I hope to see you all soon.

September 2012

Hi, how are you? I wish you were coming now to be able to spend time with you and play a lot! I’ve had a good time over the past months, playing, studying, and teaching my siblings. I’m thankful for all you’ve done for us, and for helping us study a lot. I’m the second-best student and I would love to study computing to get ahead. I’d also like to study dentistry to be able to help people with their bodies.

April 2012

Hi, how are you all doing? I was born March 14th, 1999. We had a happy and fun time in December with everyone. I wanted to tell you that I am well and that I hope that you all are well too. I would like to be with you now, because you are like our family. I am in classes now. I hope you all love us like your family, too. I also hope that Nefret's son is well and handsome and that one of these days we would be able to see him. May God always bless you all with the best.

August 2011

Leonardo is a great kid. He is very respectful and generous. He loved attending July’s English lessons and did fairly well. Occasionally he’d have a little trouble paying attention, but overall he learned a significant amount. Leonardo told us that he wants to help his mom, be a hard worker, advance quickly, and behave well with his friends and his mother.

February 2011

Hi, how are all of you doing over there? Thanks for being with us. The gifts were awesome and everything was really great! Now we have purchased everything we need for school. I really hope we get to have more time to play soccer in school. See you soon!

November 2010

Hi friends! I'm not good at writing letters, but for you all it's easy. We finally came out of the monsoons. I was sad because with the rain we couldn't do anything at all, much less go out to play soccer because of the mud and the puddles. I'm doing very well. I haven't gotten sick. My mom is working a lot, so my sister always takes care of us. Thanks! I hope to see you all very soon!

August 2010

Hi everyone! I'm doing very well. In the mornings I go to class and I get out at 12:30. I get home really hungry and my mom is always waiting with lunch ready. The gifts you gave me I've really liked a lot. Thanks for always keeping us in mind. My mom says that you're a blessing and I think so too, because we don't go to the intersections to beg anymore. Now we study and we stay at home with my sister who takes care of us. I had a great time with all of you when you were here. I miss you all and wait for you to visit soon!

May 2010

Hi my friends! I wanted to tell you that I'm doing very well. Classes are very hard for me now, but my teachers help me a lot. I want to thank you all for worrying about us and for helping us so much. I really like the school supplies that you sent! My favorite classes are Math and Spanish. I always like to play with my friends during recess. I'm doing better in school now, because if not they will lower my conduct grade, and now I want to have better grades. I want to say that I miss you all and hope to see you soon. It's raining a lot here, but thanks to God I haven't gotten sick. I love you all!

March 2010

Leonardo has done very well so far this year in carrying out all of his assignments and completing them promptly. He has been able to keep up with his peers much better this year than last, and has had greater participation and attendance.

January 2010

Leonardo was able to get good grades this year and pass second grade, along with his brother Isaac. They are always helping each other, and Leo is very excited to have passed and be able to go on to third grade with his younger brother. He hopes to get better grades next year, but is content watching cartoons at home right now until February.

October 2009

Leonardo continues to struggle in mathematics, but has received good grades for the most part. He hasn't let his learning disability get him down, and has kept a very optimistic view on his studies. His behavior has been much better as well.

August 2009

Leonardo continues to focus on his school work, even though it is very difficult for him. Unfortunately, he and his family were not able to move to the other school where we were hoping for him to get more academic attention. Leonardo has risen to the challenge of school, however, and is doing better. He and his sister Sonia got sick in July but have since recovered after a visit to the health center and taking medication.

June 2009

Leonardo has had a little trouble in school. He is older than most of the kids in his grade, and sits next to his younger brother Isaac. Leo sometimes has trouble finishing assignments and understanding them, but the classroom at his current school is not an ideal learning place. We hope to put Leo and his siblings in the private school where his cousins and other VISEDAL children study, which is much more accommodating.