Our School Program

I would like to start filling people in on how we minister and live with the people here in our barrios. One of the most important things that we are able to provide is our "apoyo escolar". This is the before and after school program that we provide for about 120 kids in the barrio from the ages of 7 to 14. So many of our children have so many difficulties at home that their school work suffers greatly - they are not able to keep up with their schooling and the program offers them the chance to keep up with their work. In addition to help with their homework and tutoring they are in a safe environment and receive a hot meal. We are currently paying for the program since the local prelatura (government agency) that is supposed to pay for the program has not been forthcoming with the funding. They may start paying in several months but by then the children would be so far behind it would be very hard for them to catch up.

One of the most interesting things about the children is how they respond to affection. The vast majority crave any kind of attention and affection that they can get. With so many parents away working overseas or not involved in the family many children do not receive much affection at home. However, other children respond very differently. On Christmas morning I went to pat one of the children on the head and his instinct was to cringe and to run away. God only knows what has trained him to have this reaction. We hope and pray that our presence in the barrio and the program that we provide gives these children a brighter future and a real experience of love and acceptance.

The local government is again causing problems with the program because they want to replace all the teachers with new teachers who are from the current political party in power. Of course the those first hurt by this are the children. Thankfully, some of the families are beginning to organize and want to fight to have the teachers stay. It is so good to see them empowered and doing what is best for their children. Please pray that whatever happens is best for our children.

Thanks so much for your support and prayers. I always enjoy hearing from people back home at tgraff@maryknoll.org. If you would like to contact me on skype I am at tgraff1. If you would like to make a donation to our mission you can do it online at maryknoll.org with the attention to my name. Thanks again for everything and please keep our barrios in your prayers.