The kids have completed their first year at private school and are now on summer vacation until mid-August!!I am so proud of them. There were many moments throughout the year when I didn't know whether all three of them would get to this point. They have worked so hard and really committed themselves to focusing on their studies. Throughout the whole year they kept positive attitudes and reassured me over and over again that they knew they could do it. I am so happy for them!! In mid-August, when they head back to school, Andrielis will start grade 10, Andy will start grade 7, and Yoandi will start grade 5.
Andrielis and Yoandi passed all their exams. Andy did end up failing two, science and social studies. The school has seen how hard he has worked lately, and is especially excited that he is now going to Renacer, so they have decided to allow him to continue at the school. He is re-writing these 2 exams on August 2nd.
The Logistics
Andrielis' tuition (secondary school) came to 46,500 pesos ($1237) and the boys' each came to 36,200 pesos ($963). I sent 2600 pesos per child to buy uniforms, totalling 7800 pesos ($208). I also sent 16,000 pesos ($420) for text books. This isn't enough for all the text books, so Sonia is going to try to find some used, and will see if there are certain books the kids don't need as much. I am still accepting more donations for text books if you are intererested in contributing.
They are currently on break for the summer. Throughout the summer, the funds have been covered for them to continue tutoring. Andy goes to Renacer every Thursday, Andrielis goes to Impact Monday-Thursday afternoons, and Yoandi goes to Pablo's Monday-Thursday afternoons. Andy and Andrielis are continuing to volunteer at the hospital on Friday afternoons.
What's Next?
Excitingly, Sonia has a job! This will start in the fall, and is in partnership with the organization Project Esperanza. They are starting a preschool, and have hired Sonia to work in it. They will pay her 5000 pesos/month ($130). I am really excited for this, and look forward to the day when Sonia and Juan can provide their family more comfortably. Sonia is happy to be working soon, and hopes to one day be able to contribute to the kids' education fees as well. I hope this position works out for her!
I am going to be away in India for most of the summer (read about it on my personal blog, One Tiny Starfish) so won't be posting much on the blog until I am home. My correspondance with Sonia and the kids will also be more limited. This summer, I am anticipating a bit of a break from fundraising. After a year of intense fundraising, I am excited for the break.
When I come back, fundraising will start in high gear again, as I begin to raise money for the 2013-2014 school year. I have only paid their tutors up until the fall, so will need to focus on that as well.
In particular, I will be looking for monthly sponsors to cover the kids' tutoring, at the following costs:
Andrielis = 400 pesos/month ($11)
Andy = 200 pesos/week ($5, usually around $25/month)
Yoandi = 900 pesos/month ($24) although I may be switching his tutor
If you are interested in covering any of these costs, please let me know!
You can also use the Chip In below if you would like to make a one-time donation towards tutoring. Tutoring ensures that the kids stay at the tops of their classes, and spend their afternoons (school is only in the morning) learning. This Chip In is for the amount needed to cover tutoring for all three kids for September - December.
Thank You
So many people came together to make this year possible. Between tuition, text books, uniforms, tutoring, and even medical bills, it took the effort of nearly 100 people. I am so grateful to every one of you. You have no idea how much this opportunity is changing these kids' futures. They are going to be literate, educated, contributing members of society and they are so excited about that. Thank you!!
