High School Scholarship Program First Semester 2017
High School Scholarship Program First Semester 2017 The development of the scholarship program over the past five years has been nothing short of amazing. Initially, we wanted to provide opportunities for a small group of sixth graders, from the 15 de Septiembre school, where we began to implement our programs. It was evident that many of them would not be able to continue their education after primary school, without some assistance. Poverty levels were inhibitive and many of the children would have started working, had it not been for the materials and stipend that the program offered. The parents of that first group of students were not only grateful, they were also motivated.
During that first year, we implemented the community service projects that have become such an integral part of the scholarship program and both students and parents responded so positively that it has become, perhaps, the most popular program that we offer. Each year, since we began to implement the program in 2014, we have expanded to include more students from more communities. With your generous support, we are making it possible for young people to get a high school degree. This opportunity is changing their lives. This year, the demand for scholarships was overwhelming. The word has spread throughout the city of Matagalpa and we have had parents and students from both rural and urban communities knocking on our door, hoping for the opportunity to participate in the program. Unfortunately, we can’t help everyone, but thanks to you, we are providing high school scholarships to more students every year. In 2013, we hadn’t even thought about the possibility of offering
scholarships and just five years later, there are 215 students benefitting from the program. This year, we have 200 high school scholarship students and 15 university and technical scholarship students. As the program has progressed, we have more students graduating from high school and are anxious to continue their studies. We are proud to be such an integral part of their lives as they grow and develop every day. This year, we have expanded more services to the rural communities, as we have grown to work with a total of seven rural communities. Opportunities for secondary education are much more limited in the rural areas, making the scholarships that much more important. Our goal is to ensure that as many young people as possible are able to earn a high school degree, and hopefully continue their education after high school. Studies have proven that for each year of formal education obtained, income generation capacity increases. Education is one of the pillars of development and essential to reducing poverty. During the first semester, we organized many activities with the scholarship students: Young Life Clubs: Our partnership with Young Life has continued to grow and we have incorporated Young Life clubs into the activities in the scholarship program. There are now two clubs organized and operating, one in the urban area and one in a rural community. Young Life provides students with opportunities to explore their faith, in a dynamic and nondenominational environment. The Young Life clubs meet weekly and include games, skits and Biblical teachings. Twice a year, we also have the opportunity to send small groups of students to Young Life camps, which last for three days. This year, we have already sent thirty students to Young Life camps and their experiences have been transformational. Community Service Projects: One of the most important elements of our program is community service. Each student is assigned to a specific programmatic area and works with Rayo de Sol staff at least one half day a week. Students work in public health training, tutoring primary students, tending to the school gardens, promoting reading comprehension activities
or assisting with community development projects. These activities not only help to strengthen program activities, but also provide excellent learning opportunities. Through community service projects, students are learning practical, life skills that will help them personally and professionally in the future. Art, Sports and Recreation: Since there are few opportunities for students to develop skills and talents the arts and sports, we organize these activities every month, to provide all scholarship students with new opportunities. During the first semester, we organized soccer and volleyball tournaments in each community. We also held classes and workshops on painting, theater, piñata making. It’s amazing to see students develop new talents, when provided with the necessary resources and the proper encouragement. These activities, along with hiking, board games, visits from mission groups, are the most popular with students. They are anxious to explore, quick to learn and open to sharing. Tutoring and Study Groups: Finally, one of the most important activities in the program are the tutoring sessions and study groups. Many students face great difficulties in their classes, particularly during the first two years of high school. In response, we have established a small library in our office and have organized tutoring sessions for different subjects, as well as study groups. The older students are in charge of tutoring, according to their strengths and they provide support and guidance for the younger students. During exams or special project periods, students work together and share information. Even so, there are several students that are failing classes, but we are working with them to ensure that they pass the school year. Many students have such deficiencies from primary school that it’s difficult for them to keep up with their classes. However, we have seen great progress this year and great dedication on their behalf. This program is so important to the students and families in Matagalpa. Without the generous support of our donors, these students would have great difficulties earning a high school degree. We know how important this step is in order for them to build healthy and productive lives in the future.
Thank you so much for your support!
During that first year, we implemented the community service projects that have become such an integral part of the scholarship program and both students and parents responded so positively that it has become, perhaps, the most popular program that we offer. Each year, since we began to implement the program in 2014, we have expanded to include more students from more communities. With your generous support, we are making it possible for young people to get a high school degree. This opportunity is changing their lives. This year, the demand for scholarships was overwhelming. The word has spread throughout the city of Matagalpa and we have had parents and students from both rural and urban communities knocking on our door, hoping for the opportunity to participate in the program. Unfortunately, we can’t help everyone, but thanks to you, we are providing high school scholarships to more students every year. In 2013, we hadn’t even thought about the possibility of offering
scholarships and just five years later, there are 215 students benefitting from the program. This year, we have 200 high school scholarship students and 15 university and technical scholarship students. As the program has progressed, we have more students graduating from high school and are anxious to continue their studies. We are proud to be such an integral part of their lives as they grow and develop every day. This year, we have expanded more services to the rural communities, as we have grown to work with a total of seven rural communities. Opportunities for secondary education are much more limited in the rural areas, making the scholarships that much more important. Our goal is to ensure that as many young people as possible are able to earn a high school degree, and hopefully continue their education after high school. Studies have proven that for each year of formal education obtained, income generation capacity increases. Education is one of the pillars of development and essential to reducing poverty. During the first semester, we organized many activities with the scholarship students: Young Life Clubs: Our partnership with Young Life has continued to grow and we have incorporated Young Life clubs into the activities in the scholarship program. There are now two clubs organized and operating, one in the urban area and one in a rural community. Young Life provides students with opportunities to explore their faith, in a dynamic and nondenominational environment. The Young Life clubs meet weekly and include games, skits and Biblical teachings. Twice a year, we also have the opportunity to send small groups of students to Young Life camps, which last for three days. This year, we have already sent thirty students to Young Life camps and their experiences have been transformational. Community Service Projects: One of the most important elements of our program is community service. Each student is assigned to a specific programmatic area and works with Rayo de Sol staff at least one half day a week. Students work in public health training, tutoring primary students, tending to the school gardens, promoting reading comprehension activities
or assisting with community development projects. These activities not only help to strengthen program activities, but also provide excellent learning opportunities. Through community service projects, students are learning practical, life skills that will help them personally and professionally in the future. Art, Sports and Recreation: Since there are few opportunities for students to develop skills and talents the arts and sports, we organize these activities every month, to provide all scholarship students with new opportunities. During the first semester, we organized soccer and volleyball tournaments in each community. We also held classes and workshops on painting, theater, piñata making. It’s amazing to see students develop new talents, when provided with the necessary resources and the proper encouragement. These activities, along with hiking, board games, visits from mission groups, are the most popular with students. They are anxious to explore, quick to learn and open to sharing. Tutoring and Study Groups: Finally, one of the most important activities in the program are the tutoring sessions and study groups. Many students face great difficulties in their classes, particularly during the first two years of high school. In response, we have established a small library in our office and have organized tutoring sessions for different subjects, as well as study groups. The older students are in charge of tutoring, according to their strengths and they provide support and guidance for the younger students. During exams or special project periods, students work together and share information. Even so, there are several students that are failing classes, but we are working with them to ensure that they pass the school year. Many students have such deficiencies from primary school that it’s difficult for them to keep up with their classes. However, we have seen great progress this year and great dedication on their behalf. This program is so important to the students and families in Matagalpa. Without the generous support of our donors, these students would have great difficulties earning a high school degree. We know how important this step is in order for them to build healthy and productive lives in the future.
Thank you so much for your support!
