By Maria Lourdes | Teacher
We adjusted the schedules of the schools to increase academic classes, to give our students the best possible chances in their future lives. Extracurricular activities will continue in the afternoons. Students are free to join sports teams, cooking classes, barista classes, music lessons, advanced technology classes, robotics and the chess club, to name a few. The extra classes are very well attended by students who want to advance their skills.
Our secondary school computer teacher, Gabriel, is working with the primary school teachers to create a program for each grade level so that these kids can arrive at the secondary school ready to learn coding, website design and more advanced computer skills. This is very important for future employment for these kids.
Every year there are special students who stand out. Miguel is one such student. He is 16 years old in Grade 10. Miguel lives with his father, aunt, one brother and five cousins. He came to El Patojismo eight years ago, and he remembers that at the primary school he could have nutritious food each day, which he was lacking in his home. In Miguel’s words, “I love the schools and especially the teachers who are caring, attentive and friendly toward me. When I have needed to talk, they were always there for me.” While Miguel’s life is still not easy, he has had many opportunities to improve his life through studying. The teachers report he is a very co-operative and kind student who works very hard to achieve his goal of being educated. He is a very active participant in the computer club and wants to become a systems engineer. Because of the financial situation with his family, Miguel works Saturday and Sunday shining shoes earning the equivalent of $9.00 per week which he contributes to hygiene supplies for the family.
ONCE AGAIN, WE WISH TO THANK EVERY ONE OF OUR DONORS FOR SUPPORTING THESE KIDS AND GIVING THEM AN OPPORTUNITY TO CREATE A NEW FUTURE FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR FAMILIES.
THE KINDNESS SHOWN BY SO MANY GLOBAL GIVING DONORS HAS CHANGED HUNDREDS OF CHILDREN’S LIVES IN GUATEMALA.
MUCHAS GRACIAS FROM THE TEAMS AT EL PATOJISMO, JOCOTENANGO, GUATEMALA
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