The COVID-19 crisis forced teachers and students alike to figure out how to conduct classes online. Low-income families, like those involved in Chalice’s Guadalupe sponsor site, lacked equal access to computers or internet-enabled devices (i.e., tablets, phones) to take part in virtual classes.
Many children fell behind, and the country is still grappling with the after-effects. The site staff cites a government statistic that 60% of school-aged children are struggling in reading, writing, and/or math. The education system cannot support the numbers of children who need academic support to fill in the gaps.
In 2021 and 2022, with support from Chalice donors, the Guadalupe site ran an after-school support program for 76 children from families with the greatest risk of dropping out. The program focused on students who were showing learning problems and low grades – many of whom had not been able to take part in online classes when schools closed. At the end of that program, testing showed that 67% of children caught up to their peers in the most difficult subjects, such as mathematics, language, and communication.
Buoyed by their success, the staff are partnering with Chalice to broaden and extend the program for three years. Each year, the staff will select 80 children who would benefit most from the academic boost. Based on their needs, the hired educators will develop a custom curriculum to help them catch up in the areas where they’re struggling.
The students will attend the program every weekday after school. Staff will monitor the students’ school performance and overall development. Along with the extra help with their academics, the program staff will lead bonus activities about life skills, leadership, and creative arts.
The site staff will also engage the parents. Over eight workshops, they speak to parents about how they can take part in their children’s education and find strategies to build their child’s emotional and social skills. They will hold five sessions about domestic violence, discussing stress, communication, non-violent techniques, and proactive measures.
The after-school support will help 80 sponsored children per year, for 240 over three years. The benefits will extend to their 1050 family members, too.
The total funding request for this three-year program comes to $179,133.76 CAD. This includes the facilitators’ wages and salaries, teaching supplies, educational game materials, some furniture and computer need, and snack supplies.
Program Location: Guadalupe, Bolivia
Program Code: HDP-BGL1122
Budget in Canadian Funds: $179,133.76 CAD
DONATEPlease note that any donations that exceed the request will be used to fund other community projects that may arise.