Remember for a moment going to school as a child….
Everything was new and exciting. You were encouraged daily to reach for the stars and work hard to make your dreams come true. The whole world was in front of you — full of hope and possibilities!
For so many children in Guatemala, a future of unlimited possibilities and dreams fulfilled will never become their reality. When you are trying to survive with your family on the streets, school does not become a priority — finding your next meal does.
The children of Dorie’s Promise were once children without hope. They come from living within the garbage dump … the streets … from shacks in the ghettos. However, through God’s grace and love, they are now a part of our family!
It is our goal to see that we give our children every opportunity to see their personal dreams come true!
We currently have 37 children in our care who are all growing up (so fast!). Until this year, we have always had all of our children enrolled in public school. The public schools in Guatemala have up to 40 children per classroom. The education they are receiving is below average. The teachers are unprepared to handle such large classrooms with little to no resources.
In January of this year, thanks to the kind donations of several of our supporters, we were able to send three children — Amelia, Jennifer, and Ana — to private Christian school at El Shaddai.
Amelia, age 7, In only a few short months at El Shaddai, she began to improve academically. Her self-confidence began to soar, which helped her do much better in relating to her peer group.
Ana, age 8, had never received any education prior to arriving at Dorie’s. When she started at El Shaddai, she had a problem with her working memory. This made tasks like spelling tests almost impossible. When a test would come, she would drop her pencil, fold her arms, and begin to cry. The teachers rallied around her and gave her extra tutoring throughout the school year. Just a month before school ended, she was finally able to complete her first spelling test without any anxiety. Imagine how she must have felt!
Jennifer, age 8, has always excelled academically. Her dream is to be a doctor who helps poor children someday. In public school, she was never challenged to reach her full potential. Since being at El Shaddai, she is at the top of her class. Her teachers are constantly telling us how she has the potential to exceed at anything she sets her mind to.
Our staff was amazed at the transformation in the lives of these children throughout the school year. Their grades improved dramatically, their enthusiasm for learning increased, and, most importantly, they were able to be in an environment that helped them grow academically, spiritually, and emotionally.
An education at El Shaddai means better curriculum, prepared teachers, positive influences, spiritual guidance, extra-curricular activities, and opportunities to experience “regular life” outside of the orphanage. Going to El Shaddai means a better future. It means hope for our amazing children.
After seeing the impact of El Shaddai on Amelia, Jennifer, and Ana, it became clear that we must offer a better education to our children. In order to do that, we need your help TODAY!
My dream … my prayer … is that every child at Dorie’s Promise has the opportunity to attend El Shaddai and that those who struggle academically will be able to get a similar education at other private schools specializing in helping children with special needs.
The school year in Guatemala runs from January to October. We currently have 18 children of school age.
Twelve of these 18 children have been tested and accepted into El Shaddai.
We have found other private school options for the remaining seven children who have significant academic challenges that prevent them from attending El Shaddai at this time.
The average cost of sending each child to a private school is $1,500 per year. This amount covers tuition, books, uniforms, afterschool activities, tutoring, supplies, and transportation.
Imagine being able to give your child a life-changing private education for only $125.00 per month.
The total cost for all 18 children to attend private school for the 2013 school year is $27,000. So far we have commitments of $9,000. That covers the cost of only six of our children.
So we need to raise $18,000 in order for 12 more children to have the opportunity to receive the education they need and deserve this coming January!
Please help us raise $18,000 before December 31, 2012, so that our children can be given the gift of a private education this Christmas. Write "Education fund" in the comments when giving online.
I don’t know what you could give between now and the end of the year. My job is to simply ask that you give and give with a joyful heart. Every gift matters as we work to make sure the children in our care are given an exceptional education.
You may be able to give $1,500 or $750. Maybe $125, $75, or $50 is more within your budget. Whatever that amount is, I want to ask you to give it today. Together, let’s give our children the opportunity to grow spiritually and academically through private Christian education.
Thank you again for all your prayers and support. Thank you for telling your friends and family about Dorie’s Promise and the work we are doing at Forever Changed International. May God richly bless you for all that you do!
God Bless,
Heather Radu