Carmen was born in Loja in the south of Ecuador, the fifth of six children. Her parents work on the land but earn very little money, and for this reason none of Carmen's brothers or sisters completed more than primary education. Carmen though was determined to make her own way in life, made great efforts and managed to complete high school. Her dream was to get a university qualification and to be able to earn a living as an accountant. She came to Quito ten years ago to continue studying and to support herself by working, and finally succeeded in getting a place to study at the Universidad Central, a state-run university in Quito, where the fees are relatively low compared with other universities. Carmen managed to save enough to pay for the first year, but had to abandon her studies last year as she could not afford the fees. The Condor Trust is now supporting her financially, so she can continue her studies and so that all her efforts to get an education are not wasted. In her spare time, Carmen loves dancing.

Bacci lives with her elderly and unemployed parents (her father is in his late 70s and her mother is 52 years old). The family depends on tilling the land for survival and at times her mother sews school uniforms which she sells locally. On average, the family lives on $20 a month which is split between food and school fees for Bacci and her siblings. Making things more difficult, Bacci's brother is enrolled in Form 2 at the same school and this presents a major challenge for the parents to raise the required school fees.

Hekima is a student at the Lugalo Secondary School in Iringa and will graduate in 2012. He is saddened by the poverty in Tanzania. Education he believes is a tool that can "help the low-life achieve prosperity." He aspires to be a mayor in order to better his home country. The School Fund is a model for what he hopes to accomplish in the future,helping those in need.

Hekima is a student at the Lugalo Secondary School in Iringa and will graduate in 2012. He is saddened by the poverty in Tanzania. Education he believes is a tool that can "help the low-life achieve prosperity." He aspires to be a mayor in order to better his home country. The School Fund is a model for what he hopes to accomplish in the future,helping those in need.