How my childhood experiences inspire me to help children in need

Who: Carlos Beltrán Ruiloba

My childhood was a rollercoaster of constant changes and a lack of stability. With the death of my father when I was very young and moving between different family members in multiple cities, I lacked a stable father figure and struggled to form lasting bonds. Despite these challenges, I grew up to value independence and integrity and have learned to love over the years.

These experiences deeply shaped me. Although I am a fair and independent person today, at 33, I can't help but think about what could have been if I had someone to support me, guide me, and give me the love and security I so desperately needed. I believe that if I had that support, I could have achieved my goals much earlier or even more than I have achieved so far.

It was this reflection that led me to join Nofam. I have always believed that we all deserve support and assistance during our childhood, that crucial phase where we define ourselves as individuals and where we feel the greatest need to be guided and loved. At Nofam, I found a purpose that deeply resonated with my own experiences and my desire to make a difference in the lives of other children who, like me, may be going through tough times.

My role as a volunteer and coordinator to connect with other foundations in South America allows me not only to contribute directly to the well-being of these children but also to collaborate with other organizations that share our mission. I strongly believe that by working together, we can make a greater impact and provide the support that so many children need to reach their potential and build a better future.

One of the things I always think is that helping is very simple. The difficult part is finding people who are willing to do it. In my journey, I have met many people who talk about the importance of helping, but few who really roll up their sleeves and get to work. And it is precisely for this reason that I am so proud to be part of Nofam. We are a group of dedicated people, ready to be the change we want to see in the world.

Although my story with Nofam is just beginning, I realize every day that my past, however difficult, has prepared me for this moment. My experiences have given me the empathy and strength needed to understand and help others. I cannot change my childhood, but I can do everything in my power to change the lives of other children so they do not have to face the challenges I had to endure.

At the end of the day, my greatest wish is that every child has the chance to be a child, to dream, to play, and to grow up in an environment full of love and support. If I can contribute to that, even just a little, I will feel that I have fulfilled my mission. And that is why I am here, to make this world a better place, one child at a time ❤️.