At Risk Children Dance for Social Change

Eli has the gift of patience. All her actions carry a characteristic parsimony that is only interrupted by the ease of her smile, by the speed with which her very fine and sharp sense of humor emerges, and by the exercise of her immense creative capacity, on stage and in life.

Eli came to Enlaces when she was 9 years old. Quiet, solitary, she preferred to distance herself – as a good impartial observer – from the pranks of her classmates.

"Eli speaks little, but when she does, she is really wise" one of her peers said about her in a dialogue circle, a few years ago.

Like many of her peers, she faced the challenges of an educational system that is exclusive and incapable of responding to the needs of the most vulnerable boys and girls.

Despite her enormous talent and creativity, she struggled to complete her high school within a rigid and anachronistic educational system.

A tireless team of teachers accompanied Eli on a long journey through a roller coaster of emotions, with ups and downs, extensive conversations, and family meetings to create strategies and ways to achieve the common goal, always convinced of Eli's great potential and possibilities.

In the year 2021 Eli, just turned 18 years old, and finished her high school education. What for others may be a milestone of little importance is for Eli, and for us, one of those daily wonders that dazzle us, an invitation to celebrate, to wear our fineries, and to live the pride of seeing this first goal crossed by an extraordinary girl, who had to swim against the tide for so many years.

Eli approved her admission exam to the University, and It's about to start her dream career: Social Work. Eli wants to touch the lives of children who like her, have within them an enormous potential waiting to be discovered through love and patience.