Brenda’s parents are unemployed and struggle to support her grandmother, six siblings, and her. She loves math and science and hopes to become a doctor someday

Jane is the first born child in a family of three. Her father deserted the family leaving the children under the care of their mother who works as a house help. Jane completed grade eight in 2016 and scored high marks. Her mother could not afford to take her to secondary school and instead wanted her to be employed as a house help. Jane defied her mother and with the help of her local pastor went back to school and repeated grade 8. In 2017 she emerged the best girl in her school and was admitted to a national school. Despite the many challenges, Jane is determined to excel in her studies. Her dream to become a surgeon remains her driving force. She hopes to help the less fortunate in the society who cannot afford medical care. Jane believes that hard work pays.

Magaly lives in a small village on the outskirts of Quito with her mother and two sisters. Her mother does not have a stable job.

John's father died in 2011. at the time of his death, his father had been diagnosed with throat cancer and also kidney failure. HIs mother is a sells vegetables and it is this small business that supports the family of 10. He has 1 brother,younger and 8 sisters, all older. The eldest sister is studying accounts at a nearby college while the second born is married and dropped out of high school. Three of his sisters are in high school where the fees are paid for by well wishers and relatives. his younger brother is still in primary school. He had problems paying small fees required in primary school for lunch and exams. Before he came to Wema, John had to walk long distances to and from school and rarely had two meals a day. He is glad to be in boarding school, he no longer has to walk to and from school and he is guaranteed of three meals a day. " i would like to thank Wema for giving me the opportunity of an education without challenges that pull me down" -John.

Padre excelled in primary school and was ranked number four in his class. However, with six children to take care of, his family struggles to make ends meet. There are very few resources at home and they often do not have enough food to feed their children. Since none of Padre’s older siblings had the opportunity to go to secondary school, he hopes to be the first in his family to graduate so that he can give back to his family and his community.

Lilian's father works as a sugarcane cutter. Her older brother is in High School and his school fees are pair by her uncle. The rest of Lilian's siblings are in primary school where her parents struggle to raise the fees required at the school. In Primary school Lilian had attendance problems as she was regularly sent home because she couldn't afford the fees She also regularly ate only one or two meals per day. Now she does not need to worry about being sent home or missing meals. The only thing that is on her mind is working hard so she can achieve the grade required to study medicine and become a doctor. "Wema can uplift the lowly and give them fair education field to make them someday be able to help more of the disadvantaged." -Lilian.

Father died. Mother remarried. Children abandoned to grandmother.

Lesly lives with her mother, who has no regular work. She has two younger sisters. In her free time, Lesly likes reading and listening to music. Her ambition is to become a cardiologist.

Poor and separated family. Mother living with children with no source of income