Neverland

A few days ago, I was reading Peter Pan to my 4-year-old son Marco. At the end of the story, you may recall, Mr. and Mrs. Darling hug their children Wendy, John and Michael, and agree to adopt the lost boys from Neverland. They ask Peter Pan to stay with them, but he says, “I’m going to go back to Neverland where I never have to grow up.”

For many children in our programs in Italy, Ethiopia and India who escape violence, war, poverty and hardship, our Towns at first may look like Neverland, a place where they recover their lost childhood and enjoy living with other “lost boys.” And just like the lost boys elected Peter Pan to be their captain in James M. Barrie’s novel, the citizens in our Towns elect their leaders and learn to live together in a caring community.

Reaching Neverland for our boys and girls is not as simple as it was for Wendy, John and Michael. There is no magic dust that can be sprinkled on them to make them reach their Towns. Peter Pan had told Wendy that the way to Neverland was easy. "Second star to the right and straight on till morning!" Our lost boys and girls risk their lives on rundown boats or by walking for days through the desert to reach Neverland. But once they arrive they receive a chance to become children again and to dream like a child should.

Today, in our Neverland, we protect more than 1,500 lost boys and girls who are restoring their hope and are getting ready to fly on their own. Without your support, we would never be able to do so.

During this holiday season, I would like to ask you to be inspired by this charming fairy tale and imitate Mr. and Mrs. Darling who adopted the lost boys from Neverland. Would you consider sponsoring a boy or girl in our program and give them a chance in life? Please follow this link to find out more about our sponsorship program.

By the way, as I finished reading this story to Marco, he asked me if one day I could take him to Neverland. I told him we currently have three Neverland locations in Italy, Ethiopia and India and that one day we could definitely “fly” there.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at A Chance In Life. Thank you for your amazing support.

Gabriele

P.S. Have you seen our first Annual Report yet? Please click here.