A belated but very hearty welcome to the newest Aura’s House baby, little Niko! Niko is the son of AH Partner Heather LaBonte Efthymiou who originally comes from California. His daddy is Costas Efthymiou who is originally from Cyprus. The family is currently living in Bristol, UK.
Heather writes, “Niko was born July 6 at 9 pounds. He is a fun baby who likes to make faces and do poses with his arms! My husband, Costas, and I feel very lucky to have him.”
Please join us in welcoming baby Niko …

This project is now complete. Launched: June 24, 2009. Completed July 30, 2010.

Emergency Project for Diego Armando of Colombia
Our goal was to raise $2,174
Stay tuned for photos and updates.

See Diego’s new bed.
See information regarding Heather’s raffle to win a Zune for donating.
See gifts Diego received with the first $445 raised by Aura’s House.

Diego needed help right away to help with medical issues and has limited income as his parents are deceased. We hope to bring peace and comfort to Diego and his caretaker, his aunt.
Read details about Diego’s Life …

The income generating project for Maria Antonia Pol has been completed.  Thanks to your wonderful efforts, Maria and her grandmother now have all the supplies that they need to open their own tortilla-making business. Maria will operate her business from a rental that is close to her home and she has also secured the help of her cousin in addition to her grandmother. They will make fresh tortillas three times a day, as this is a staple of the Guatemalan diet.
Maria is excited about the opportunity you …

Hi All,
Kristen here. I just wanted to let you know that  a short documentary I made about Liberia is now being shown on The UN’s World Food Programme’s Youtube Channel and is also available at their Facebook and Twitter sites.
This video looks at the aftermath of Liberia’s civil war and the impact that a simple school meal can have on young children and their families. Please let me know what you think if you get a chance.
Best Wishes,
Kristen
(click to play video)

Children International agents in Guatemala report that Aura continues to do very well in school, and enjoys having the opportunity to learn and acquire excellent skills.  She is looking forward to completing her education and becoming a teacher.  What a dream come true for this young lady!
See Aura’s Tuition Project
View images of Aura at school.
Read a letter from Aura to her sponsor, Kristen Palana.

Over the past few months starting in February 2010, Aura’s House had the pleasure of working with Alexia Pilleris, a Greek student studying at The American University of Rome in Rome, Italy. She worked with Kristen Palana, her professor and founder of the Aura’s House website to create several promotional materials including web banners and a short YouTube video. Alexia also did online promotional work and held a bake sale for the India Tuition Project which yielded over $125 and made it possible to send another seven children to school …