The 92 scholarship recipients of the Manuel Galecio home, which the Board of Charity administers in the Alausí canton, shared a day full of joy, dance, music, and above all, the message of self-improvement brought to them by weightlifter Neisi Dajomes, Olympic Champion, along with her sister Angie Palacios, both of whom were part of this home when they were little and received the support of the Board of Charity.

They were received with songs along with the authorities of the Board and other guests who came to the home to receive them, but also to inaugurate new works such as the dining room, the gardens, and the orchard that will directly benefit the girls.

In the home’s chapel, Neisi addressed them and recalled her time with her sisters in this home, of which she said she was honored to return. “I feel very happy, with many mixed emotions. Just like you, I ran through these patios and gardens, climbed, jumped, and played. Here I learned what companionship means, something that has served me in my life as an athlete and I believe that in this home we were given the strength to take our first steps to be what we are now. I thank the Board and I truly ask its directors present here to continue with this wonderful work,” commented the Olympic champion who also answered some of the girls’ questions.

During the event, they took a tour of the facilities, which evoked many memories for the sisters Neisi and Angie, who also witnessed the inauguration of the modern and elegant dining room for the girls, whose construction was financed by businessman José Jaramillo Miranda, owner of Papelesa, who attended and said he was grateful to have contributed to the well-being of the girls. “This is a work that I deliver with my heart. I have no words to express what I feel when I meet them and see the great work that the Board of Charity does with you and with the country.”

Through typical dances, the girls represented the different regions to which they belong, with the majority, 72%, coming from the Amazon, 18% from the Sierra, and 10% from the coast.

Finally, the director of the Board of Charity, Juan Xavier Cordovez, who shared photos and unforgettable moments with the girls, conveyed his message of unconditional support that the institution provides them. “Everything we do today and every day from the Board of Charity has a reason for being, which is to have more Neisis and that is what we are going to do with you girls,” he emphasized.