History
How it all began.
It all started in 2006 when I, Magda Metwally was volunteering as an English teacher in a small fishing village in the North of Peru – Máncora. It was here that I met Carlitos.
Carlitos would walk the streets of Máncora, selling Humitas, you may have come across him if you have been here. This evening he comes into my hostel and walks over to me taking an interest in the Harry Potter book that I am reading. I invite him to read, and he does – but with such difficulty, yet with his determination to complete a page, that I turn away to wipe my tears.
Our reading group begun and the more time I spent with him, I caught a glimpse of the disturbing social and emotional issues these children are facing every day of their lives and the truth surrounding their lives.
Carlitos is one of many kids – abandoned; barely literate; spending his afternoons making money for his carers, starving for attention, love and a role model.
I wanted to make a change for these kids. When I left Máncora I promised to make a change. In September 2007, Project Robin Hood Máncora began. We started with 20 children and in 2007 and now we have 50 children!
Carlitos and his friends are the inspiration of this project
Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t make a difference.
Where is Carlitos today?
Carlitos continues to be a part of Robin Hood. Carlitos still attends the after school centre and is a mentor for a lot of the new kids. We also continue to fund Carlitos education, which would cease otherwise. Watch this space for some messages from Carlitos.
“Being involved in the Robin Hood Project is amazing. Seeing one person’s idea grow into a multi-dimensional project that is changing lives everyday…. Who wouldn’t want to be in that?
I passionately believe in the power of education to empower and change, and that’s what the Robin Hood Project is all about. “