the story of kleider

Kleider was born with cleft palette and lip.

Before landing in Lima, I had read about this handsome fellow and his ordeal. As baby, Kleider could not breast feed due to his condition. SES staff and volunteers discovered the dying baby and rehabiliated him by daily spoon feeding a puree of enriched crackers and milk. Over time, he recovered and received surgery for his palette condition.

Kleider is hearing impaired. With the help of kind folk here and there, he was admitted to a special school capable of meeting his needs. Kleider's older brother, Elquin, would serve as escort on the long bus rides to the school and back. Unfortunately, a new addition to the family changed roles within it and Kleider was left sans escort and sans special school.

We are working on finding funding to purchase a hearing aid for the young chap. Also, we are in conversation with the school to reinstate Kleider. Perhaps I will be his new and willing escort.