Updates

Two weeks ago, the English department hosted an event celebrating the beginning of the school year. I had the chance to speak with Paula, an eighth grade student who is attending the Mission School for the first time this year. She told me that since she was a little girl, she dreamed of attending this school. She worked hard in elementary school to get the best grades in her class in the hopes of receiving a scholarship. Coming from a family of farmers from one of the most rural towns in our area, she knew it would be hard for her family to afford sending her to the Mission School. It is not uncommon for children from Paula’s town, especially girls, to stop attending school before high school. Paula told me that her 14 year old neighbor won’t be returning to school this year because she recently got engaged.

After a visit from our school social worker and a review of Paula’s records (including handwritten notes from her elementary school teachers attesting to Paula’s dedication and good character), Paula was awarded a scholarship. Paula, along with over 200 other students, received uniforms, books, school supplies, and monthly tuition payments through our Scholarship Plus Program. Paula says her first few weeks at the Mission School have been some of the happiest of her life. She loves her teachers and is making new friends fast. She is excited by the new opportunities like the event the English department hosted. But mostly, she says she feels really lucky to be a part of a school that is focused on good values and good education.

Tarhelia is in charge of our Scholarship Plus Program. She helped assemble and distribute school supplies, books, and uniforms for over 200 students in our program before the beginning of the school year.

As Ecuador continues to confront issues related to drug trafficking and gang associated violence, we have never felt more committed to the value of quality education. Your generosity has allowed us to expand all of our programs and help more vulnerable children this school year. Over 25% of the students are on some sort of scholarship, thanks to you, our donors. We started a new technology class as part of our expanding technology program. And we are committed to connecting graduates to well paying jobs through our work-study program with DP World Shipping. But our journey is far from over. These children, often the most affected by circumstances beyond their control, rely on consistent and excellent educational opportunities to break the cycle of poverty and instability. Your generosity is not just an investment in individual futures but in the stability and prosperity of entire societies here in Ecuador.