School Sponsorship

 

Attending public shcool in Mexico is not free like in the United States. Beginning with Kindergarten, school families must pay tution and purchase uniforms and school supplies. Tution costs increase with the level in school. The annual cost for a student to attend primary school is $90.00; secondary school costs $140/year, while senior high is $450/year and college is more than $700/year. Many of the job available around the Juarez Colonias pay less than $100/week. The cost of housing, food, clothing, utilities, and medical care often leaves a family with no money to spend on education. Without support, many children would not attend school.

 

Manos Amigas matches sponsors in the United States with over 60 students in Poleo and Anapra to assist with the cost of tution, uniforms, and school supplies. Students range from first grade through university, so the fees for sponsorship range from $90 - $1000 per year. Sponsors can pledge a full or partial scholarship for a student. The fees for sponsorship can be paid in one lump sum or monthly payments. Sponsors have the opportunity to renew or discontinue their support each year.

 

Students and their parents meet monthly with Manos Amigas volunteers in Mexico. During these meetings grade cards, attendence records, and other progress reports are reviewed. The students are accountable for their educational sucess. Sponsorship may be withdrawn if the student is falling below expectations for attendance or grades.

 

Sponsors and students exchange photos each year. They are also strongly encouraged to write letters to each other. There are translators available on both sides of the border if needed. The students look forward to learning about their sponsors and having the opportunity to send a word of "thanks" for the financial assistance they receive. The parents also express deep gratitude to the sponsors. They believe that education is the key for their children to break the cycle of poverty.