Leading at LEA

The room was sprinkled with garlands, balloons and presents at the “Amigos por un sueño” — “Friends for a dream” — an organization led by group of moms who decided to brighten their children’s reality. From playing at the beach to playing the drums, the organization’s goal is to welcome children and adults born with multiple disabilities and invite them on new and dynamic adventures. These women are trying to shorten the distance between their children and the moments of fun and happiness.

On a day full of paintings, music and smiles, the Latinoamérica en Acción conference (LEA) attendants carried out their service project activity. Students from a dozen countries organized in order to give every child a gift that included a smile bag with candies, a LEA backpack with school supplies and a T-shirt.

“I felt overwhelming happiness when those children where saying ‘thank you’ with a big smile and a tight hug,” said 17-year-old Pamela Rey from Panama.

(Photos by Carlos Rueda – Operation Smile)