General School Assistance

In addition to daily homework and tutoring assistance, Hope offers general school help to each of our children. At the start of the school year in January, children are provided with a variety of school materials. Throughout the school year they have access to Hope’s school supply area in order to complete homework and projects.

Hope also provides assistance with school fees and registration costs, uniforms, school supplies, and is even the adult representative for those children who do not have someone in their home to fill that role. We also help our older youth to research and choose an upper education facility (high school).

Library

Guatemalan students, missionaries, churches from the United States, and many others have been involved in the construction of our Library. Hope's Library is currently the ONLY one in Zone 18. All of Hope's children have access to reference materials, and leisure reading and are motivated to read which is indispensable for the development of our nation.

In June 2010 our library was more than doubled due to generous donations from friends and supporters in Birmingham, AL.

Computer Lab

As part of our education program, Hope's children are given access to the Internet. This allows the young people to realize more extensive research, have access to worldwide library systems and have up to date experience with technology. In addition, children are taught the use of email and allowed to surf the web under adult supervision.

Before & After School

The majority of our children and youth study in public schools. Access to public education is intended to be mandatory and free of charge but the reality is another. Students are required to purchase books and supplies even while many do not have the funds to eat, house, and clothe themselves properly. In addition, students need to buy didactic materials to do homework and projects. This is where our school reinforcement program is key. Not only do we provide school supplies and materials, be out children are offered a clean, open, safe, and well-equipped are in which to do their work and adult assistance.

Literacy and Reading Initiative

 All of our 11AM children and youth are involved in Hope’s new reading initiative. Dina, Hope’s employee in charge of the library, using texts and materials in a complete reading program, works with four of our 8-10 year olds who are struggling with the very basics of literacy. Twice a week, these children receive one hour of individualized instruction and are making great strides.

 In addition, Monday to Thursday, Erin reads for 30 minutes with our morning children and teens. The groups are divided by age and Erin reads age appropriate texts with each group on a different day of the week in our library’s reading room. The children love the special time together and are garnering a love for reading as well.