When Kids Find Their Place: Two Stories of Resilience From Colombia and Nicaragua
Santiago: Stepping Up When the Game Changes
At Jacalito School in Tenjo, Colombia, Santiago has become a quiet force in the LtN community. He’s the kind of kid who shows up with consistency, humility, and heart. He’s the teammate who leads not with volume, but with example.
This season brought a challenge he didn’t expect. An injury sidelined him from playing, forcing him off the field he loves. But instead of stepping away, Santiago chose a different path.
He stepped up.
During the opening round of La Liga LtN Colombia, Santiago volunteered as a referee. A role that demanded confidence, composure, and a whole new perspective on the sport. From the sidelines, he’s discovering leadership skills he didn’t know he had, a deeper sense of responsibility, and a renewed connection to his team.
His resilience is exactly why our programs matter. When kids have a safe, consistent space to grow, they learn that setbacks don’t define them — their response does.
And Santiago is responding with courage, commitment, and heart.
Bayardo: Finding Belonging Through Lacrosse
In Nicaragua, seven‑year‑old Bayardo is carving out his own path alongside his older brother. Born with a hearing‑related injury that affects his speech, he has faced teasing at school that has shaken his confidence and made learning feel isolating.
But on the lacrosse field, everything shifts.
Here, Bayardo is surrounded by teammates who see him for who he is — capable, joyful, and full of heart. They explain drills when he needs clarity. They encourage him. They make sure he always feels included. In this space, he isn’t defined by his challenges. He’s defined by his effort, his smile, and the way he lights up when he’s part of the team.
For Bayardo, lacrosse has become more than a sport. It’s a place of belonging. A place where he feels safe, valued, and supported.
Why These Stories Matter
Santiago and Bayardo’s journeys are different, but they share a common thread: the power of consistent, caring coaches who show up week after week. That consistency is what builds trust. It’s what creates environments where kids feel brave enough to lead, confident enough to try, and safe enough to be themselves.
And that consistency is only possible because of our donors.
Your gifts fuels programs where kids discover resilience, belonging, and the belief that they matter. When you support LtN, you make stories like these possible. Stories of courage, connection, and community.