They sponsor Obedi (Class 4), Naomi (Class 4), Felista (Class 4), and Gladness (Class 1).
Katie and Joe Hartman and their children sponsor four Faraja students. Obedi is Robert’s student, Naomi is Rosie’s student, Felista is Ann Marie’s student, and Gladness is Maggie’s student. Katie says the kids are thrilled to learn about their students and the family hopes to visit Faraja one day.
Each year the cost of sponsorship is one of the Hartman kids’ Christmas gifts. “We are trying to teach them the importance of giving back and helping others,” said Katie. “Faraja is such a special place and the difference the school can make in the lives of the students and the opportunities available to them is life-changing.”
The children sponsored by the Hartmans all have unique needs Faraja works to address, as well as their own unique goals and dreams.
Obedi comes from an area where the water has too much fluoride, and this weakened his bones and led to a case of genu valgum (“knock-knee”). He had orthopedic surgery to correct this.
Naomi’s right hand and arm were burned in an accident. She has been having physical therapy to regain use of her hand and arm and prevent further scarring and contractures.
Felista lost her legs in an accident and uses a wheelchair. She is looking forward to receiving prosthetic legs.
Gladness has cerebral palsy. Her balance is very poor, but physical therapy will be beneficial for her.