By Rocio Mendoza | Executive Director
Dear Friend,
As a friend and supporter, you understand the transformative power of education, especially for young people living in poverty. It is one of the few avenues to break generational cycles of poverty. In short, education is their way out.
In just three years, our scholarship program has grown from 60 to nearly 120 high school and university scholars each year and we are locally and internationally recognized for our innovative youth development model that educates, empowers and engages disadvantaged young people and provides them with the tools they need to reach their full potential.
Your support has made this possible. Thank you!
Every year, we aspire to grow and provide even more young people with the opportunity to stay in school and develop the skills they need to create positive change in their lives and communities - not turn them away.
Being consistent is so important to our scholars. Let me tell you about Ángel.
For so many years, Ángel's incredible potential went to waste. Ten years after moving to El Progreso from a rural banana plantation community to get an education, Ángel found himself stuck in a rut, working for just $2.50 a day at a used clothing store. In the six years after finishing high school, he finished less than a year's worth of classes at the public university.
All of that changed when he was awarded an OYE scholarship two years ago. In his words: "OYE's support is constant and something I can depend on. I know that OYE's priority is for me - for all of us - to get an education and find success in life. Because I deserve it. Because I am worth it."
Today, Ángel is pursuing his psychology degree full-time and is one half of a dynamic duo that leads workshops with adolescent boys (and girls) to learn empathy, unlearn machismo, and relearn what it means to be a man in today's world. They balance fun and engaging activities with real conversations that challenge traditional gender roles and notions of masculinity, and create spaces where boys feel comfortable opening up and expressing themselves. We invite you to take a moment to watch a brief video of Ángel.
Real change in the lives of young men and women is happening through OYE, and through young people like Ángel.
This change happens because of people like you. Your gift changes one young person's life, who in turn impacts the lives of so many others.
Together, let's continue to be consistent for promising young people who deserve the opportunity to keep moving forward.
In appreciation,
Rocío
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