ISMU’s latest update is about the 102 elementary and secondary school students (the other students supported by this project are at the tertiary or pre-primary level) who were identified by ISMU members as at risk for dropping out of school because of their extreme poverty and/or difficult family situations.

ISMU staff and community leaders together conducted a needs assessment with each student and their family. They used this to design an intervention for each student, including health-related, material and emotional support services as needed.

In order to qualify for the program, the students and their parents/guardians are required to participate in monthly workshops at the ISMU office. Transportation costs are covered by ISMU. Topics so far have included: self-esteem and self-care, team-building exercises, reproductive health and the prevention of infectious diseases, career planning and how to improve study habits.

ISMU staff met regularly with the parents/guardians and with the teachers to review their quarterly grade and identify areas where the students need further support. Of the 102 participants, over 90 are expected to be promoted to the next grade in December.