Fifteen students who received scholarships last year will continue their education this year. Last year, three students successfully graduated and performed well, while two dropped out, and three chose not to continue their education. For some of those three students, their reasons for not continuing made sense to us.

Of the 15 returning students, one failed their classes last year but expressed a desire to try again. Our message to them was clear: if they were willing to keep trying, we would continue to support them. Knowing the level of support they have from their family, we believe this student will succeed.

This year, four students who completed 6th grade at the community school will receive scholarships as they transition to 7th grade at schools in Danlí. One of these students initially planned not to advance to 7th grade, intending instead to find a job. José and I visited their home and spoke with the student and their mother, who explained the challenges they faced. This family is among the poorest in an already very poor community.  The mother is very active at the community school, helping wherever she can, and clearly values education for her children. However, their struggles were forcing the student to consider working to support the family instead of continuing their education. We assured them we would provide as much support as possible, but we left with the student firm in their decision to find a job. After returning to the USA, I received a message saying she had changed her mind—she wanted a scholarship and to continue her education.

Thank you for your support of this student and all the other students and their families.  Your prayers are much appreciated.