On March 7, volunteers returned to La Cabaña in Buenos Aires – Malvinas Argentinas for their first visit of the year. It was the start of the school season in Argentina, and about 60 children gathered for the day. Before anything was handed out, the volunteers sat with the children and talked about school. They asked what grade they were in, what subjects they liked, and what made them nervous. Some spoke about enjoying math, while others said social studies was harder because of the reading. The youngest children answered quietly at first, but little by little they grew more comfortable joining the conversation. The group also shared a short verse, reminding the children that when school feels difficult or frightening, they are not alone and can find the strength to keep trying.

The day included moments of simple joy. Friends brought a small petting area with animals for the children to meet. There was a rabbit, a sheep, chicks, and a few cats and dogs. The children laughed as they gently touched the rabbit and sheep, saying their fur felt like soft stuffed animals. Later, everyone shared lunch together with hamburgers and juice. For some of the children, it was the first meal of the day, which made the time around the table even more meaningful.

After lunch, the volunteers began calling the children one by one to receive their school kits. Each backpack and set of supplies had been prepared and sponsored by people who wanted to help children start the school year ready. One volunteer shared how moving it was to see the excitement on the children’s faces as they received the supplies they needed for class.

One girl named Mia shared something that deeply touched the group. School had already begun the week before, but she had not been able to attend because her mother could not afford school supplies. Holding her new backpack, she said with a big smile that she would finally be able to go to school the following Monday. Moments like this remind everyone why these visits are so important. Sometimes something as simple as pencils, notebooks, and a backpack can mean the difference between staying home and walking into a classroom with dignity and hope.