Education Programs: During the past year, we have contributed $22,000 to two educational programs.
The Seeds of Education Program is a direct sponsorship program whereby children from very needy families are eligible to receive up to $500 US a year. The students are selected after interviews with the family and with the understanding that the family will meet certain commitments. The money is provided in three payments. Despite many pressures that cause children to leave school early, the recipients of these sponsorships achieve a success rate of 83% and stay in school much longer.
The Learning Communities Program includes both academic tutoring and youth leadership training and results in students helping other students as they develop skills in many areas. These students tend to be more successful and to reach post-secondary education. 72% of tutoring students achieve honours grades. As Cindy, a 13 year old participant of the Learning Communities Program, describes it, “Sometimes I learn things in tutoring before they come up in school. That way, I’m not starting from zero—it’s easier to understand, and my grades are better.”
