Many of our borrowers see tremendous value in educating their own children even though they themselves did not attend school. Some women acknowledge that they are in the microcredit program to earn the money they need to send their children to school. Friendship Bridge designed its Children’s Education Program to help clients get, and keep, their children in school.

Friendship Bridge currently supports children’s education through a learning centers in Quiche and Solola, which provide ongoing support for children and youth in their studies.  The Learning Centers present local children with opportunities designed to inspire them to become life-long learners.

In 2009, the centers launched a newly-developed, comprehensive curriculum for children and youth.  There are two permanent staff members who lead programs along with the support of short and long-term volunteers. Any given day, the centers are attended by up to 50 young children and teenagers.  This year, the young children, ranging in age from 5-11, will study a range of topics that include English and computer skills. Each month has a unique, overarching theme.

The youth meet separately and, in addition to learning computer skills and English, they cover important topics such as conflict resolution, citizenship and self-esteem.  Through this aspect of our program, we’re working to raise high-school graduation and college-readiness rates. The center also serves as a safe, structured place for everyone to learn, play and study. Each morning before secondary classes begin, you will find youth in the center using the computers to complete their homework. 

The center also sets aside one week a month where the afternoon programming is focused on training the mothers. 

 

Program Objectives

1. To increase the literacy rate for children
2. To increase the number of children passing from grade to grade
3. To decrease the drop out rate
4. To increase the number of girls who attend school