Changed Life Story: Carolina
Carolina* entered Santo Domingo North School at age five. Both of her parents worked full days—her father as a police officer often away on duty, and her mother cleaning homes. Her mother, who never learned to read, found it difficult to support Carolina’s early education. Along with her sister, Carolina spent much time alone with little parental or adult guidance at home.
*name changed for anonymity, student not picturedA Steady Source of Care
From the start, the school became a steady source of care for her—meeting needs that often were not met at home. Carolina received daily nutritious meals, loving care from safe, Christ-centered adults, and consistency of academic instruction, physical activity, and community.
As her physical needs were met, her academic challenges became more visible.
By third grade, she was reading far below grade level and at risk of repeating the year. The gap in her learning left her feeling frustrated and alone which sometimes led to tensions in the classroom. Her struggles made her a target for teasing and bullying from classmates. While protecting Carolina, the staff took the opportunity to teach the class principles of brotherly love, one of the core values in Kids Alive programs.
Life began to change when the school’s psychologist recommended specialized reading intervention for Carolina.
This launched a multidisciplinary care plan involving her teacher, the school directors, and the psychologist, who organized regular meetings with her mother to share progress, address challenges, and work together toward solutions. The staff equipped her mother with new ways to support her daughter’s learning, and these meetings became times of prayer, encouragement, and partnership.
Growing in Confidence and Learning
With consistent one-on-one reading support, Carolina’s skills and self-esteem steadily improved.
Now in sixth grade, she reads at the level of her peers and participates confidently in class. She is engaged, building friendships, and beginning to thrive in her learning.
Support for Carolina went beyond academics. Staff prayed for her regularly and reminded her of her worth as a child created in the image of God. Carolina’s story reflects the heart of holistic, Christ-centered education—where specialized support, a dedicated team, family involvement, and prayer come together to help a child grow in each area of life.
As Carolina begins her final year at Santo Domingo North School this fall, we pray she continues to grow in wisdom, character, and faith—becoming the young woman God created her to be.
By His grace, the holistic care Carolina receives through Kids Alive has truly transformed her life.
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