By Kelly Shank –

Let the fun begin and the homework end at Dorie’s Promise!

Summer vacation starts this week for most of our children and they are excited for later mornings and fun activities. Everyone at Dorie’s Promise is taking a much needed break this week. We had 30 children in 5 different schools this past year. That’s 30 lunches to pack each day, 30 children to get ready each morning, and a lot of time spent driving to drop-offs and pick-ups.

We’ll share more stories about the fun activities we have planned for them over the next few months but for now we want to brag about how great our children did in school.

Three of our boys graduated from Kindergarten. Elvis, Yire, and Abraham Najera spent the year working on their reading, writing, and math, when they weren’t running around playing soccer or tag. Our home had no shortage of colorful art projects either thanks to these boys. They are excited to join the bigger children in elementary school next January.

School is where Nayeli Soto shines. Ever since she was little Nayeli loved learning, even getting extra help on math from visitors when children others were outside playing. Her hard work paid off this year. She was recognized as one of the top students in her grade. We’re so proud of how hard she works in school.

Our oldest child, Brayan, finishes school next month. His vocational school helped him discover skills that are both useful and enjoyable. Participating in the “Mini Chefs” program furthered his love of cooking and also gave him the opportunity to experience cooking in a restaurant environment. We were very proud to see his art work and sculpture included in an exhibition at the Rozas Botran Foundation as well.

Mario had the most difficulty transitioning to school. At the beginning of the school year he had trouble following directions, sharing with his classmates, and would cry because school was overwhelming. Working with both the Special Mothers and his school, he was able to move him into a different program that accommodates his challenges but still allows him learn. We’re grateful that he attends a school where he can learn, despite his challenges.

Second grade was tough for Juanita and Monica at the beginning of the year. Both girls struggled with reading and writing, making their classwork difficult. Thanks to the Special Mothers and our teacher the girls received extra help at home on these two subjects. As they became more comfortable reading and writing their self-confidence grew. By the end of the school year the girls became avid readers who now enjoy looking for new books to read on their own. Reading has unlocked their confidence and excitement for school.

Some of the biggest successes we watched came from Myra, Cristina, and Manuel. These three came to our home after the fire at the Virgen de la Asuncion orphanage. We didn’t transition them into school until May but the success they experienced is phenomenal. Manuel and Cristina are learning to read and Myra is excited for the chance to attend school. Seeing how grateful they were for the opportunity to attend school reminds us just how important education is.

Education gives our children the ability to dream.

Thanks to the support of faithful donors, our children were able to achieve their goals in great schools. Early morning wake-up calls, packing 30 lunches each morning, and spending hours driving between schools is worth the effort as we watch our children thrive as individuals.

We’re committed to providing high quality, individualized education for our children again next year. If you would like to support the education of our children, please make a one-time education donation today or consider becoming a monthly sponsor.