Operación San Andrés
Kristin Villegas, age 20, is one of several youth who receive financial support from Operación San Andrés (OSA) to pay for college tuition and fees. In spite of difficult circumstances, Kristin has completed all of the required course work and will obtain her bachelor’s degree in accounting later this year.
The path to success has not been easy for this talented, loving young woman. Since very early in life, she endured the effects of poverty as her mother struggled to make ends meet with just side jobs such as cooking for others in the community, washing clothes for other families, or helping with cleaning tasks at OSA-House. Living in a dangerous community infested with gangs, drugs, and robberies has been difficult.
Kristin first became involved with OSA at age 7 when she started participating in our Educational Enrichment Program. As part of OSA’s holistic approach to healthy living, Kristin enjoyed nutritional meals prepared by the OSA staff before going to school every day. As Kristin moved into secondary school, she began participating in OSA’s Luz de Esperanza (Light of Hope) church and is now an outstanding youth leader who shares her faith with her friends in Collique and at her university. Currently, Kristin keeps walking in the faith of Jesus thanks to Bible teachings she first received at OSA House. During her five years at college, she has been an exemplary student who obtained excellent grades for which she received much deserved recognition from her professors.
Kristin expressed her gratitude to OSA in the following way: “I know I could not be the person I am now without the Bible teaching, financial support, emotional care, and spiritual counseling I received at OSA.”
We extend heart-felt congratulations to Kristin Villegas for completing a successful college career and for the faith and Christian love that she shares with her family and friends each day.
