March 2024
It is always an uplifting experience to visit our scholarship students and their families in Chocolá. Not only are they full of life and happy to be a part of our “Amigos Family”, but they are determined to make their own way in life where no opportunity previously existed. Mothers and fathers of our students are so grateful for our support of their children’s education that often their words turn to tears when they express their gratitude.
This year marks the second year that students have been allowed to return to the classroom. Teachers are more motivated than ever to provide a comprehensive and meaningful learning experience. But for a few more resources (i.e. student desks, whiteboards, books, computers, art supplies, etc.) our students are receiving a well-rounded education in Chocolá schools. All of this feels to us like good progress in the educational pursuits we are supporting.
Some student surveys conducted last year by our local staff revealed that many of our students have seen a great change in the trajectory of their lives as well as that of their families. For a few students, employment has offered them the opportunity to support their families’ needs as well as to enhance their own future. One of our goals is to provide “career counselling” so that our students can find productive employment opportunities.
This year, we are supporting 64 students who attend middle school or high school. Although that currently is close to the limit of our funding resources, we continue to seek ways to support more students. Our Lee Chambers Memorial College Scholarship Fund now supports 5 University students. That fund shows some growth each year, but more is needed to accommodate all of our applicants who want to earn post-secondary degrees.
Paola and Lidia are finishing up their studies in Nursing at University. Both are volunteering in Chocolá to bring their new-found knowledge to the community in safe and organized ways. Keny is in the midst of her Agronomy studies. She has some experience with community gardening projects and with food security that have helped her in her college classes. She is determined to start her own business that will bring food production and security to her community. Carolina is studying for a teaching degree and will finish her basic degree in another year. She is inspired by our educational support and wants to “give back” to the young students of Chocolá. Carolina will seek a teaching position upon graduation. Francisco has begun his work for a degree in Auditing/Accounting. This is an arduous course of study that will benefit him in the future. Francisco is also working his way to cover expenses that often arise but are not included in his scholarship funding. All of these students are working hard, determined to improve their knowledge and life skills.
Unfortunately, we have many more ideas for providing educational experiences for the many students of Chocolá than we can currently afford. However, the progress we have made to realize our mission of “Overcoming Poverty Through Education” is increasingly coming into a clearer focus for Amigos. We hope you will join in this vision and help provide the necessary resources to create a better educated Chocolá, Guatemala.