Education Support

Education Support

Public education is not free in Mexico. In the early 1990’s, when we started our education sponsorship program, many families in Anapra/Poleo faced the difficult decision of providing food for their children or paying the fees to send them to school. Children were leaving school long before graduation to work and help support the family. Without an education, their job prospects were extremely limited, keeping them in poverty despite long hours of hard work. The community in Anapra/Poleo saw that education was the only way to break this cycle of poverty and need. Today, we can boast about students who began in our program during primary school and are now working as engineers, nurses, teachers, and accountants. With a college degree, they provide for their families and strengthen their community.

It takes more than money to support a student. While volunteers in the US provide financial support for students, the volunteers in Anapra work tirelessly to encourage, tutor, and provide necessary resources. Attendance and grades are tracked and students are expected to maintain high levels of achievement. Involvement with the mission is also expected. In addition to helping with special events, students of all ages regularly help in the library, visit the elderly through the “Adopt an Abuela” program, and distribute rice, beans, wood, and other necessities to their neighbors in need. Service to and with the community builds up the individual student and strengthens their overall education.

Student Sponsorship

Sponsors in the US are expected to do more than send money. Relationships matter. Sponsors regularly receive photos and letters from the students. We encourage them to write and engage in return. Over the years, many sponsors have traveled to Anapra to volunteer with our Anapra team alongside students and families. It is impossible to quantify, but the connection that grows over the years is likely more valuable than the money that is spent. Student sponsorship is $30 a month and paid through PayPal. Sponsor a Student

Internet Reimbursement

During the pandemic we learned how vital internet connection is for all of us. Students in Anapra received assignments and instruction through online services and turned in assignments through Whats App. We provided laptops, tablets, and assistance with internet fees for families with sponsored student(s).

When school returned in person, we continued internet assistance in case there were outbreaks and they would need to return to online classes.  We learned that our students’ grades were much better than before the pandemic.  Students told us they were using internet resources to help with research and homework.  Parents were also using the internet to look up recipes, research how to fix things, and communicate with family members.  Internet access enriches the student’s learning and the family’s well-being. We decided internet access is a requirement for success in school, and we would continue to provide devices and continue assistance for internet access.

We have 24 families we assist with internet access.  We provide $30 per month and the parents cover any fees over $30.  This is consistent with the Manos Amigas mission.  We provide a hand up, not a handout.  We are in partnership with families to provide the opportunity of education to build a better tomorrow. Internet reimbursement is $30 a month and paid through PayPal. Donate Today

Technology Fund

During the pandemic, we were able to provide laptops for each high school and college student.  We also provided a tablet or laptop for each family with younger students.  Since students were not in physical school, they did not need school uniforms and some of the school supplies and tuition costs.  We used that portion of the sponsorship fees to pay for the devices.

We are assessing this year’s new students to determine if more devices are needed.  Any amount donated to ensure that students’ have the devices needed to further their education is greatly appreciated. Donate Today