The Evolution of Amigos
When Francisco and Glennys Sabuco visited Peru in February 2010, they had no idea the trip would lead to developing a nonprofit organization. Francisco was a recently retired water treatment operator and Glennys a special education teacher. They were visiting Francisco’s family, whom he hadn’t seen since 1994.
Francisco’s sister, Maria, lived in San Ramón, in the beautiful province of Chanchamayo, gateway to the central jungle. She told Glennys about the San Mañuelito School for children with severe multi-disabilities, located in San Ramón. Glennys immediately wanted to see it and was deeply touched by the visit. It’s the only school for children with disabilities in a large area. The children were out of school for their summer vacation (their seasons are opposite ours) and she was shocked by the lack of materials and supplies. The only wheelchair was made of bicycle wheels and a lawn chair seat.
Francisco and Glennys went home and planned their return. They’ve now been to Peru 11 times and believe that serving these children, as well as the food pantry at their church, are their missions in retirement.
They formed Amigos de San Mañuelito in 2014. The organization now partners with two schools for children with severe multi-disabilities and three early intervention programs for infants and toddlers. Their concept of what they are doing has evolved over the years. This is what Glennys says:
"The first trip, I was a tourist, meeting my husband’s family for the first time. The second time, I was a special education teacher, deeply aware of the inequities of supplies and resources in my classroom and the classrooms of the hardworking, passionate teachers I met at San Mañuelito, who have since become dear friends."
Now we work jointly with school directors, teachers, therapists, other school employees, and families. They teach us and we receive more than we could ever give. We don’t have words, in English or in Spanish, to adequately express our gratitude.
Francisco’s sister, Maria, lived in San Ramón, in the beautiful province of Chanchamayo, gateway to the central jungle. She told Glennys about the San Mañuelito School for children with severe multi-disabilities, located in San Ramón. Glennys immediately wanted to see it and was deeply touched by the visit. It’s the only school for children with disabilities in a large area. The children were out of school for their summer vacation (their seasons are opposite ours) and she was shocked by the lack of materials and supplies. The only wheelchair was made of bicycle wheels and a lawn chair seat.
Francisco and Glennys went home and planned their return. They’ve now been to Peru 11 times and believe that serving these children, as well as the food pantry at their church, are their missions in retirement.
They formed Amigos de San Mañuelito in 2014. The organization now partners with two schools for children with severe multi-disabilities and three early intervention programs for infants and toddlers. Their concept of what they are doing has evolved over the years. This is what Glennys says:
"The first trip, I was a tourist, meeting my husband’s family for the first time. The second time, I was a special education teacher, deeply aware of the inequities of supplies and resources in my classroom and the classrooms of the hardworking, passionate teachers I met at San Mañuelito, who have since become dear friends."
Now we work jointly with school directors, teachers, therapists, other school employees, and families. They teach us and we receive more than we could ever give. We don’t have words, in English or in Spanish, to adequately express our gratitude.
Who We Are
Francisco Sabuco - President, West Jordan, UT
Glennys Sabuco - Secretary, West Jordan, UT
Claudia Bauleth - Treasurer, Salt Lake City, UT
Tim Sabuco - Technology, Hutto, TX
Ayme Estrada Balbin - board member, Vitoc, Peru
Karin Reyes Estelo - board member, Lima, Peru
Click on the names for more information
Francisco Sabuco - President, West Jordan, UT
Glennys Sabuco - Secretary, West Jordan, UT
Claudia Bauleth - Treasurer, Salt Lake City, UT
Tim Sabuco - Technology, Hutto, TX
Ayme Estrada Balbin - board member, Vitoc, Peru
Karin Reyes Estelo - board member, Lima, Peru
Click on the names for more information