Hero Spotlight: Hope and Survival Skills Erase Maritza’s Fear in Panama

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When Maritza was three years old, she lost her mother to AIDS. Shortly thereafter, she was taken to an orphanage by her father, who could no longer afford to care for her. A few years later, her father also passed away.

A very shy girl, Maritza lacked self-confidence to such a level that she rarely dared to go outside of the orphanage. Last year, at 15, she began the Just Hope Survival Skills program. After only a year and with the support of teachers and peers like Cheryl and Walkiria, Maritza completely transformed. Read Maritza’s story…