Across the globe, the Kids Alive family is witnessing powerful moments of healing, growth, and transformation. From students in Lebanon boldly sharing their favorite stories, to a young girl in Zambia bravely forgiving her abuser and dreaming of becoming a nurse, these stories reflect the heart of our mission. In every classroom, safe home, and community gathering, children are discovering that they are seen, valued, and full of potential. This month’s Alive Moments shine a light on the impact of compassionate care, education, and restoration—and how together, we’re building futures rooted in hope.
Lebanon: Students at Kids Alive Lebanon brought stories to life during their “Favorite Book Presentation,” building confidence, creativity, & a love for learning.
Kenya: Kids Alive Kenya launched a powerful internship partnership with St. Paul’s University, equipping future leaders with hands-on training in trauma-informed care & expanding healing across communities.
Zambia: 12-year-old Sibongile found healing, education, and hope at the Lilato Center, and now, reunited with her loving aunt, dreams of becoming a nurse.
Dominican Republic: At our Santo Domingo East school, the new Peace Ladder initiative is transforming discipline into restoration
Guatemala: Girls at the Oasis home attended a vibrant “Friendship Fair,” promoting joy, unity, and the biblical beauty of life-giving friendships.
Haiti: Through art therapy and personalized psychological care, Kids Alive Haiti helps children safely process trauma and take meaningful steps toward emotional healing.
Peru: Cecilia’s life was transformed at the Juniper Tree Children’s Home, where she received love, education, and support, and is now thriving in school and dreaming big.
At #KidsAlive Lebanon, students recently participated in our annual “Favorite Book Presentation” — a cherished tradition that brings stories to life and helps build essential skills. Each student selected a book from the school library, summarized it, and presented it in English to their classmates and teachers. 📚
This special activity wasn’t just about reading—it encouraged creativity, boosted self-confidence, and helped students grow in their ability to communicate and connect. Teachers and students alike enjoyed thinking together and planning the presentations, creating a joyful, engaging atmosphere. Each student received a bookmark to mark the day and inspire continued reading.📖
Moments like these are part of how we provide #educationthatheals—offering children tools to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. 🌟
After nearly two years of planning, #KidsAlive Kenya has officially partnered with St. Paul's University to launch a powerful new internship program! This exciting partnership allows students studying social work, counseling psychology, and education to join our sites and gain hands-on experience each semester. 🌱
By stepping into our programs, these interns will not only build their skills—they'll also bring fresh ideas, energy, and extra support where it's needed most. Through exposure to #traumainformedcare and TBRI principles, they'll become advocates for healing-centered work in their communities, helping us expand our mission of creating #traumaresponsive environments where children and families thrive. This collaboration also opens the door to future research, capacity building, and community development initiatives. It's a win for students, for Kids Alive, and for Kenya! 🇰🇪
Twelve-year-old Sibongile (pseudonym for safety) arrived at the Lilato Centre in Zambia with more than bruises—she carried the heavy weight of abuse, neglect, and trauma. After enduring physical violence and hunger at the hands of her father, she was referred to Lilato by social welfare. Her father’s abuse led to a three-year prison sentence, and Sibongile, pale and withdrawn, needed urgent care and stability. 💙
She hadn’t been to school in over a year, but within weeks of arriving at Lilato, her wounds began to heal, and her smile returned. Enrolled in first grade, she quickly impressed her teachers and advanced to second grade.
Through months of counseling, Sibongile found the courage to forgive her father. “I have forgiven my father… and I want to visit him in prison. But I would like to stay with my aunt Ruth,” she said. That dream became reality when, after 22 months at Lilato, she was joyfully reunited with her aunt and began a new life in Kaoma. Now in fourth grade at a local school, Sibongile is dreaming big—she wants to become a nurse.
Her journey is a powerful reminder of the mission of #KidsAlive—to provide #traumainformedcare and healing for every child who deserves safety, education, and the chance to thrive.
At our Santo Domingo East school in the #DominicanRepublic, something beautiful is happening—students are learning that true growth comes not just through correction, but through restoration. 🧡
This year, the staff worked together to identify the 15 most common classroom misbehaviors and created a clear, step-by-step process to guide students toward healing and reconciliation. One unique element is the Peace Ladder—a tool that helps students in conflict walk through guided conversations with support from designated restoration staff.
Not only has behavior in the classroom improved, but hearts are being transformed. During one Peace Ladder moment, a student repented and gave their life to Christ. 🙌 This is what #KidsAlive is all about—creating spaces where children experience #JusticeThatHeals and grow in faith, character, and love.
Friendship was in the air at #KidsAlive Guatemala this February as the girls at Oasis celebrated Valentine’s Day with a “Friendship Fair” full of joy, connection, and creativity! 🇬🇹
As part of our protective care programming, the fair was more than fun—it was intentional. Each house designed activities like card-writing, karaoke, target games, and bingo, building not only excitement but also unity and teamwork. The girls reflected on biblical friendship through the story of Jonathan and David, a powerful reminder that God values healthy, life-giving relationships.
Residential staff and the Tías (caregivers) came together to make the day extra special, creating a safe space where children could just be children—free to laugh, play, sing, and grow in community. One of the decorations read, “Life is more lovely with friends,” and the day truly brought that message to life. 🌟
At #KAI, every moment like this reinforces our mission to create #BondsthatMend through love, joy, and belonging—because every child deserves friendship, healing, and a hopeful future.
At Kids Alive Haiti, emotional healing is part of our everyday mission. Our psychologist, Holkens Camil, brings this to life through approaches like art therapy—offering kids a safe space to express their emotions through painting, puzzles, and creative play. 🎨
Many of the children we serve have experienced deep trauma. Holkens gently helps them externalize their pain and begin the slow but powerful journey toward healing. He also uses psychometric testing to evaluate each child's emotional and psychological needs, tailoring care to support long-term recovery.
This is the heart of our #JusticeThatHeals model—responding to trauma with compassion and expertise. 🧡 As children find their voice and rebuild trust, we see lives transformed. Because at #KidsAlive, healing is more than a goal—it's our calling. 💙 #EducationthatHeals
Cecilia’s (pseudonym for safety) childhood began in the lush Peruvian jungle, but her journey was not without hardship. After her mother bravely left an abusive situation, Cecilia was sent to Lima to live with an aunt—hoping for a fresh start. Unfortunately, life there was filled with challenges, and she was unable to access the education and care she needed.
Her story began to change when she arrived at the Kids Alive Peru Juniper Tree Children’s Home. 💙
At Juniper Tree, Cecilia found what every child deserves—education, counseling, medical support, and most importantly, a place where she was truly loved. “I receive affection and love,” she shared, a simple and beautiful reflection of the transformation happening in her life.
Today, Cecilia is reunited with paternal relatives, excelling in school, and even winning awards—including a swimming honor recognized by the local mayor! Cecilia is no longer defined by hardship—she’s thriving, dreaming, and shining. 🌟
Her journey is a powerful reminder of how #KidsAlive brings #JusticeThatHeals and builds #BondsThatMend, helping children reclaim hope, dignity, and a future full of promise.
You can find our downloadable PDF version of April Alive Moments here.
Your gift to the Global Education Match will be matched dollar for dollar—up to $500,000—to unlock $1 million for trauma-informed, Christ-centered education around the world: kidsalive.org/global-education-match
