HTI ABC Program
We have been scrolling through early photos of church activities and families in the area. We came to realize that we have been here long enough now to see kids who started out in the ABC Child Sponsorship program as 1st graders who have actually graduated out of the program.
Although is sounds routine to see a kid grow up and finish school, it is not the norm here in Guatemala. In the departments of Quiche and Suchitepequez where Health Talents works, the number of kids still in school at age 13 are 40% and 38% respectively. (Data from the Ministry of Education School Census, Schooling Rate, both sexes, by age for 2016.) This is an age based number and includes kids who are older and have failed grades as well.
In our ABC program the number of kids graduating from 6th grade has steadily increased. But what really gets us excited is that in 2011 school year, 33% of ABC program 6th grade graduates continued on to junior high. In the 2017 school year, 54% of 6th grade graduates continued on to junior high.
This is still a high number of kids dropping out before junior high, but we are working to beat the averages! We are grateful to all of the sponsors who faithfully contribute to this program. Your participation is making a difference!
Jose Luis Alberto - graduated as a teacher, continuing to university
Hector - Computer Tech - actually has one more year, but a cute picture....
Tomasa (green blouse) - graduated with a high school degree, applying for PT School
Visiting families with an intern
Joel - graduated from high school (big white stripe)
cannot get it right side up!
Tomas - graduated in 2017 as a mechanic
Tomas on the right - with his brother and their teacher
Juana Graciela - graduated with high school degree in bookkeeping
