2008 School Year Starts!!

Paso a Paso is sponsoring over 120 children to attend school in 2008. The children start their new school year this week. We have over 90 children that we sponsor for elementary school and about 30 children that we sponsor monthly who attend secondary school and beyond. The children are very grateful to those that have contributed to their education through prayer, donations and financial support. Going to school for these children is not an easy task or decision. Many children face the decision to go to work or to continue school. Unfortunately most children do not make it past the 4th grade and the older children end up working to support their family. Most of the families in Barrio La Cruz have about 5-8 children, it is almost impossible to send all the children to school and pay for uniforms, supplies and fees. Paso a Paso does provide school supplies for the children and we encourage individuals or families to sponsor a child and make a lasting difference in their life.

We are very proud that we have over 30 children that are attending secondary school or above. We have paid for all their initial fees and some of these children have sponsors. Unfortunately, we still have about 20 children that need monthly sponsorship. Paso a Paso was not able to provide for the other 20 students to pay their fees in full. This has left several families still in need. We paid at least 50% of their fees, but for many of these single family homes it is likely that the children will end of dropping out if the rest of the fee is not paid. I urge you to consider sponsoring a child or giving a donation to our education fund.

Last year we had a great success rate. We had 92% of our students pass onto the next grade and they want to continue their studies! The year prior to our sponsorship program, we had less than 50% even attend school.

Please pray for the students and their families as the school year begins. Pray for perseverance, provision and protection.

The women and men who are starting up our job training program are in need of support, prayer and financial. We hope that these individuals will succeed and help in training others.

“But the needy will not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the afflicted ever perish.” Psalm 9:18