Our Story
It Started With One
Child.
One family in particular changed everything. Living inside a discarded cardboard refrigerator box was a young girl, born in a trash heap, sick and covered in rat bites. Jeanene prayed with the family and began helping in any way she could. Her family soon mobilized support, and what started as a simple act of compassion became a lifelong mission.
Today, Founder Jeanene Thicke Sanderson and her husband Richard serve as house parents, caring for approximately 150 full-time boarding students and 30 additional day students, entirely free of charge.
Children’s Vision International, Inc. has a 30-year track record of excellence and has received multiple national awards in Colombia! Multiple Colombian presidents have recognized the school for decades of service to the country’s poorest-of-the poor, abandoned, neglected and at-risk children. The CVII school has received the Colombian Navy’s award for distinguished service. Additionally, the Colombian Air Force has given the “Wings of Hope” award for excellence in humanitarian work throughout Colombia.
Children’s Vision International has a 7-building campus in one of the poorest neighborhoods in Bogotá including 5 dormitories, housing approximately 150 children from newborn through high school. The high-quality “Beginnings of Wisdom School” educates all resident students plus an additional 30 non-resident students coming in daily from the local community. The “Blessings Building” is a multiple purpose facility including a cafeteria, medical and dental facilities, administrative offices and a safe covered rooftop multi-purpose soccer field/event space. The school also has a workshop, warehouse and garage which includes space for multiple vocational training classes.
It consistently has students performing well in nationwide standardized tests, with many receiving scholarships. Its graduates go on to become entrepreneurs, doctors, nurses, software engineers, social workers, architects, craft laborers and teachers, etc. CVII also has vocational training for those not seeking higher education degrees and provides a bilingual education with English, which is in high demand by employers.
In short, Children’s Vision International “Changes the Destiny of the Destitute” and gives them immediate medical care, hunger relief, a safe home, a quality education and prepares them for a bright future. CVII is changing the Destiny of Colombia one rescued child at a time!