*A Note from Our Founder – We are so grateful for our partnership with the EFTC. This has not been an easy time during the pandemic, but you can rest assured that your money is giving the best education possible despite the difficult circumstances. Sincerely, we thank the Lord for your giving hearts and pray that he continues to bless your generosity. – Ty New

The EFTC just wrapped up another school year, but this one was extra special because after two long years of closure we were finally able to reopen to in-person education!

SPONSORSHIPS

The year’s highlight was seeing the classrooms again full of exuberant, bright, and curious young learners. This year we were able to implement more technology in the classroom than ever before, a silver lining of the pandemic was our growth in technological skills and equipment. The Kindles generously given by Apoyo Donors last year were perfect for our youngest learners as they conquered reading and math skills.

During the month of November, we have about 150 students who are attending our summer school. They are students who need extra help catching up academically before the next school year. In addition to receiving key academic support, they are also participating in extracurriculars such as theatre, basketball, art, and of course soccer!

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Elías opened his barbershop in the spring and is a huge success. In his first year, he is already turning a profit, has hired two employees in order to meet the demand, and still has a line outside his shop in the evenings and on weekends. Adolfo saw his business grow from a small ice cream shop in Jocotenango to a bustling pizzeria in the tourist center of Antigua.

Our high school and university students also had the opportunity to attend intensive courses on nail art, artisanal basket weaving, and embroidery this year. In these courses, they not only learned the skills for these goods and services, but they also learned how to set prices, budget, and market their work. These courses allow students to learn new skills and generate much-needed income while completing their education.

In just a couple of weeks, we will also be celebrating four university graduates and 27 high school graduates. We are so proud of these huge accomplishments and all of their hard work to make finishing their education possible.

It was a busy, beautiful year and we can’t wait to see where the next year takes our amazing staff and students.

Sara Miller, EFTC Project Director