By Kelly Waugaman | Executive Director
Classes in Joconal began on Wednesday, January 17th. It has been great having the students back to school. We welcomed 3 new girls in our 7th grade class, have 3 seniors set to graduate in October, and a new preschool class right next door. We've had so much happen in only a month.
In the 3rd week of school, our seniors went to Guatemala City to join the seniors at CAB school in required activities. They are required to complete a senior course and project in order to graduate in Guatemala. It is a lot of work, but we know our seniors are going to do well. We know they will do great, because their first presentation on Friday could not have gone better.
While they were in Guatemala City, it wasn't all work. They went out to lunch with their teachers, and CAB planned some fun activities as well. They had a soccer tournament among the seniors, and our boys crushed the other team 7 - 0! Needless to say, they enjoyed their visit. We love when they get the opportunity to take a break from all the responsibility they have in their lives, and get the opportunity to be kids.
Our students live a very different life then the average student in the United States. The boys work to help their parents put food on the table, and the girls are often required to stay home to make tortillas. The very real poverty that our students live in often makes it difficult for them and their families to look past today. Over the years, we have seen students make that very difficult decision to go back to work or stay home to help care for their families. This reality breaks our hearts, but also motivates us to continue our work.
When we look around the school, we know our work is paying off. The 7th grade girls that are continuing to pursue their education are preparing for better lives for themselves and their children. The seniors are working towards a future where they can help their family get out of the cycle of poverty. As we continue to see our previous graduates flourish, we know that this cycle will not last forever. Joconal gets closer everyday to being a place that is not defined by its limitations.
Thank you for being a part of that change. Your support has made the difference in their lives.
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