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Ebert's Story
November 2004
Ebert was 12 years old when the doctors and volunteers found him living in an unstable home in the middle of a salt mine desert. Ebert was at home taking care of his two younger brothers (7 and 9 years old) when the doctors arrived. Ebert lived in a rancho , with no plants or flowers around only a few goats. He remembered the doctors right away because almost a year ago he received a Christmas gift from their hands. An act a very few could forget when one has nothing else, at least no material things in their day-to-day life.
Eight years ago Ebert's mother left the house and the kids live with their father who had gone to Cordoba city (almost three hours away) for a week. When the doctors arrived, Ebert was fixing and sewing his younger brother's clothes because that day they were domesticating a horse that eventually ran away. In this process one of Ebert's brothers tore his clothes. As he was going on to tell this story, Ebert had tears in his eyes. The doctors consoled him and asked him what was going on. He told the doctors he was sad because the doctors had come for a visit and he had not had the chance to clean and put things away. That afternoon the doctors stayed for an afternoon snack, they gave the kids some fruits, jams, and bread. They spent a good time together sharing some of their life experiences.
Ebert cooks and he makes a pretty good stew for his brothers and father. He also makes his own bread, does the laundry, the ironing, and the necessary sewing. As well, he is also first in his class at school. In the middle of these villages and desert areas there is a tiny rural grade school. He was in his last year of grade school and the doctors decided to keep an eye on him. The circumstances in this area force most of the kids to work in the woods chopping trees or taking care of the goats. The doctors turned to the ACCF to see what could be done to open up more possibilities for Ebert's future.
After hearing the story, we decided to try to find a solution to help Ebert pursue his studies. We had no trouble finding a family eager to support this cause.
During the month of March, Ebert moved from his village to Los Reartes , a town where two of his older brothers work. From there, he was able to take a bus every day to go to the city of Villa General Belgrano , a few miles away. Dr. Flores, Coqui (a local volunteer), and Lucas Savino (ACCF President) visited Ebert's brother and saw the place where he was going to live. They gave Ebert the school uniform and a pair of shoes.
In April 2005, Dr. Oscar Flores visited Los Reartes and spoke to Ebert. Ebert was doing fine, he was happy to be there but he was a bit overwhelmed. Dr. Flores noticed that he was wearing the shoes and the uniform he had for school. Unfortunately, Dr. Flores realized that these were the only clothes he had to wear so Dr. Flores contacted an organization in Argentina to see if they could donate some clothes. Dr. Flores left some money so Ebert could get his first books for school. Ebert told Dr. Flores he missed his younger brothers terribly but was happy for this opportunity.
Since he moved to Los Reartes , he learned to use the Internet and he was able to contact us. He sent his first email in March 2005. These were his words:
“Hello Lucas. How are you? I hope all is well. My brother told me you were going to help me to pursue my studies. I am happy with what you already gave me to start. I have been told Dr. Flores is coming for Easter. I also wanted to let you know that I already know that I will need two books to start with […] Thank you very much. Ebert” March 19, 2005 .
Ebert also wrote to us in April 2005:
“Hello. I am writing you to let you know that I am doing very well. I am doing very well at school and I already have many friends. They are very nice to me. I hope your family and health are well. Sincerely, Ebert. PS: I would like to meet you soon.” ( April 3, 2005 ).
Ebert is currently living with his entire family in the town near the high school. The doctors were able to relocate Ebert's two younger brothers and his father so they could all be together. They were also able to find work for Ebert's two older brothers and his father in construction. Ebert is enjoying his family life now and getting his education to hopefully provide more opportunities for his future.
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