In 2009, USLA was able to obtain enough funding to pay for 15 children to attend school for the 2010-2011 school year ($153 each), and for 10 children to participate in a local soccer league. This soccer league is predominantly comprised of middle class or upper middle class kids who are often viewed as having more worth in society than the kids who attend the ministry. Participation in this league teaches our kids that they are just as important as everyone else. It also teaches them the value of hard work and setting goals (only kids with passing grades get to participate).
Although education is technically free in Guatemala, parents still have to pay for registration, school supplies, and two uniforms and pairs of shoes. These scholarships paid for all of these expenses. These scholarships are important, as attending school is one of the only ways these children can break the cycle of poverty. Many of their mothers are single with multiple children, and did not complete school. With this support, their children may have an opportunity for a better life.
In addition to providing scholarships, USLA was able to send several suitcases full of clothing and shoes to the ministry. USLA also received laptop donations from various individuals. We were able to install free software with learning games in Spanish using Edubuntu software. Now the ministry has a small computer lab! The ministry is still attempting to build a library within its existing building so that the children it helps have greater exposure and access to books. It is making great progress, thanks to individual and large-scale donations! Libraries are very rare in Guatemala, and many kids do not have regular access to books. Research shows that access to printed materials helps improve literacy and school success. Moreover, reading and imagining the perspective of characters in a book can help with empathy. Developing empathy in these children may also help protect them from later participation in criminal activity.
Our future goals for 2010 include continuing to sponsor the 15 children who have received scholarships for several years. We also hope to find a van or microbus for the ministry so that the kids can be more safely transported home in the dark after attending the ministry. Finally, the ministry is beginning to outgrow its building, and would like to buy land for another building. That goal may be realized in the long term, given the cost of such an undertaking. In the short term, USLA hopes to continue to provide material donations such as vitamins, books, and learning materials to the ministry.
We are so grateful to everyone who sponsored a child and/or provided material donations!