Computer for Eliana

Because of violence and neglect in her divorced mother’s home, the state took Eliana into care when she was seven. Over the years, Eliana moved between boarding schools and home, never able to adjust to her surroundings. By the time she finished high school, Eliana had missed years of schooling. She still reads and writes at only a very basic level.

Eliana, now 25, held various jobs as she grew up, but none for very long. She did successfully complete a beautician’s course and now has a certificate as a professional in the field. Unfortunately, when she married five years ago and discovered that her husband was an abuser, she stopped working. After the couple divorced, Eliana moved to a new city. There she had a son, and she is now a full-time mother. He will soon be old enough for pre-school, at which point Eliana hopes to go back to regular work and earn enough money to cover his needs and her own.

In the meantime, Eliana has joined a program that provides her with a mentor, with whom she meets once a week. Eliana’s son has developmental issues, and Eliana realizes that she must improve her reading and writing skills in order to advocate for him. Her mentor is working with her in these areas, as well as in many others. Eliana suffers from hearing loss that makes many personal interactions difficult. She would be able to study, look for work and reach out to the world more effectively if she had a computer. Unfortunately, Eliana, who is trying her hardest to turn her life around, cannot afford to buy one.