August 8, 2025

Alive Moments August 2025

From cultural showcases in Lebanon to mother-daughter connection in the Dominican Republic, this month brought powerful reminders of how holistic care changes lives. Each story below highlights how Kids Alive is helping children and families experience healing, hope, and transformation around the world.

Celebrating Growth, Healing,& Bright Futures Across the Globe:

Lebanon: Students brought ancient civilizations to life through a cultural showcase, blending hands-on learning with pride in local heritage.

Kenya: Hear Martha’s journey from grief to hope—a testament to Kids Alive’s holistic approach to education and family support.

Zambia: Twelve correctional officers received Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) training, equipping them to better nurture mothers and their children living in correctional facilities.

Dominican Republic: Hear about the mother-daughter connection event led by Kids Alive social worker Rosanny. Families deepened bonds and exchanged heartfelt letters.

Guatemala: The Champions Club program launched at Oasis and Casa Ester with new spaces designed to help children with special needs.

Haiti: Students celebrated Agriculture and Labor Day by showcasing local produce, learning about God’s provision, and planting seeds of their own in a vibrant agricultural exhibition.

Peru: Marcos Rodríguez, maintenance manager at El Oasis, is completing his education through the CEBA program while serving his community with warmth and faith.

Lebanon

At Kids Alive Lebanon, education goes far beyond textbooks—and this month, Grades 4, 5, and 6 brought history to life in a vibrant cultural showcase! As part of their social studies curriculum, students stepped into the worlds of the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Phoenicians, transforming their classroom into a celebration of heritage, learning, and creativity.

The event was rich with color and culture. The Egyptian team shared stories of powerful pharaohs and fascinating beliefs, even explaining the complex art of mummification. The Greek group brought philosophy and valor to the stage, quoting timeless thinkers and honoring legendary warriors. Meanwhile, the Phoenicians captivated the crowd with traditional songs and dances that echoed the roots of Lebanese history. The energy and pride in each performance reflected not only the students’ hard work but their growing appreciation for global and local history.

To conclude the event, students, staff, and guests enjoyed dishes inspired by each ancient culture—adding flavor and fun to the day’s learning. Events like these are powerful reminders that holistic education shapes minds and hearts. At Kids Alive Lebanon, we’re building knowledge and curiosity while nurturing pride in identity and community.

Kenya

When Martha’s father passed away unexpectedly, her family’s world was turned upside down. He had been the sole breadwinner, and without him, her aging mother struggled to care for Martha and her three younger siblings. But in that moment of crisis, Kids Alive Kenya stepped in—offering more than just support; they offered hope.

Martha enrolled at Hall Mead School through the Kids Alive program in 2015. With encouragement and restorative education, she thrived. Driven by responsibility and a deep love for her family, Martha worked hard through primary and secondary school. She recently completed her first year at Chuka University, where she’s pursuing a degree in Counseling Psychology. Her dream? To help others in her community overcome emotional challenges, just as she has.

Her journey hasn’t been easy—marked by grief, sacrifice, and perseverance—but Martha stands today as a symbol of resilience. With continued support and her own unshakable determination, she’s not just pursuing a career; she’s lifting her family and inspiring those around her. At Kids Alive, we believe stories like Martha’s are a powerful reminder of what happens when emotional well-being, education, and family support come together to transform a life.

Zambia

In Zambia, healing is taking root. Kids Alive recently trained 12 correctional officers in Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), equipping them to support mothers and their young children living in correctional facilities. These “Circumstantial Children”—born into incarceration—deserve connection, safety, and care. Through trauma informed tools like TBRI, officers are now empowered to nurture healthy attachment in the most unlikely places.

This is what justice that heals looks like—restoring dignity, protecting childhood, and planting seeds of hope where it matters most. Because every child, no matter where they are born, deserves to be seen, loved, and given the chance to thrive.

Dominican Republic

At ANIJA School in the Dominican Republic this spring, something beautiful bloomed beyond the classroom: deeper bonds between mothers and daughters.

Led by Rosanny, a dedicated Kids Alive social worker and ANIJA graduate, the social work team hosted a special series of mother-daughter dates designed to create intentional time for connection, growth, and joy. Through games, spa time, sweet treats, and meaningful conversation, families found space to strengthen their relationships.

Using the Dannah Gresh True Girl curriculum, daughters explored what it means to seek God's heart as young women. At the same time, mothers reflected on their vital role in shaping their daughters’ faith and identity. One of the most moving moments came during the exchange of personal letters—heartfelt words of encouragement, love, and hope that might not have otherwise been spoken.  

But the most powerful transformation came in the heart: some mothers and daughters chose to accept Christ as Savior after hearing the Gospel presented during these gatherings. These joyful, intentional moments didn’t just build bonds that mend—they planted seeds of spiritual transformation that will continue to grow for years to come.

Guatemala

In May, Kids Alive Guatemala took a bold step toward expanding holistic care for children and young adults by launching the Champions Club program at Oasis and Casa Ester—thanks to a dedicated team from Lakewood Church. With their help, we created four specialized sensory rooms, added new outdoor activity spaces, and equipped our psychologists with valuable tools to support healing and development.

At Casa Ester, two new sensory rooms were installed, alongside outdoor areas that include exercise equipment and a “bunching box” to support emotional regulation. At Oasis, one room was fully renovated and another built from scratch, both now used for therapeutic sessions. These spaces were designed primarily for children with special needs, but they’re also available for any child who may benefit from sensory-based therapy and self-regulation support.

After days of training, setup, and care, the new facilities were officially launched with an inauguration ceremony attended by Guatemalan Social Services, Kids Alive leadership, and Pastor Matt Osteen of Lakewood Church. These Champions Club spaces now stand as peaceful, creative places where healing begins—spaces where trauma can be met with compassion, and children can rediscover peace and potential through therapy, movement, and play.

Haiti

In Haiti, where the soil is rich and the spirit of community runs deep, even the youngest learners are discovering the value of the earth beneath their feet. At our Kids Alive school, preschool students recently hosted a vibrant agricultural exhibition ahead of Haiti’s national Agriculture and Labor Day.

Their classroom came alive with the colors and textures of locally grown fruits and vegetables—coconuts, papayas, beets, pineapples, cherries, and more. Teachers shared how God provides for His people through the earth, and how caring for it is a way to love both neighbor and nation.

As part of the hands-on experience, each child was invited to plant corn in a small pot—seeds of knowledge literally planted by eager fingers.

The day ended with a joyful celebration: a shared tasting of a beloved local dish called legim, made from cassava and mixed vegetables. It was more than a meal—it was a moment of pride and connection to their heritage.

At Kids Alive Haiti, we believe in education that heals—an approach that nurtures not just the mind, but also the heart, identity, and future. These Alive Moments are small seeds that will grow into a lifelong understanding of community, creation, and God’s provision.

Peru

In the hills of Manchay, Peru, Marcos Rodríguez is more than the maintenance manager at the El Oasis Center, he’s a living example of faith that heals and personal redemption. At 47 years old, Marcos is back in the classroom through the CEBA program offered by Kids Alive Peru. “I only finished 6th grade,” he shares. “But now, thanks to this opportunity right where I work, I’m finally finishing school.”

The CEBA, a government-recognized program offered through a partnership with Kids Alive, gives youth and adults a second chance at education, without giving up their job or family responsibilities. For Marcos, this access restored his confidence. “I got good grades last year, and this year too,” he says with a smile. “It gives me hope.”

But his transformation didn’t stop at academics. Marcos now serves in his church, spends more time with his children, and welcomes families at El Oasis with warmth and prayer. “I asked God for a job where I could be closer to my kids—and He answered,” he says. His life now reflects the impact that heals, both inside and outside the center.

Every day, Marcos sees families get the help they need at El Oasis. “When they come here, they find hope,” he says. “That’s what motivates me to serve.” Through his own healing journey, he now helps others begin theirs, proving that a supportive environment can spark lifelong change.

To others who feel like it’s too late, Marcos offers this encouragement: “Don’t let age or fear stop you. Do it for your children, your future, yourself. It’s never too late to learn.” His story is a reminder that with God, every new beginning is possible.

You can find our downloadable PDF version of August Alive Moments here.

Join the 10 for Them Campaign

Just $10/month—doubled through our Global Education Match—can change a child’s story by providing education, therapy, and safe community: kidsalive.org/10-for-them

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