Earlier this year Unity 4 Orphans expanded to El Salvador and our dedicated in-country partners are already seeing tremendous growth in the vulnerable children enrolled in the Saturday program.
Through our holistic approach to education, Salvadoran children are learning English as a second language and receiving compassion and support.
Salvadoran Children Living in Poverty Need Educational Resources
Salvadorans are known for being kind and hospitable, and their country is small and densely populated. Although education is compulsory and free up to ninth grade, many children don’t complete their schooling, instead dropping out to help earn money to feed their families. Our partners are passionate about helping kids stay in school and learn to speak English.
It was hard to get the children to trust us. They’re like little cages and we have to find the right combination to open them. It’s been a challenge but I’m happy we’re here.
–Becky, Program Director in El Salvador
Traditionally many Salvadorans earn income through selling goods in roadside stands and local farmers markets. However, changes in government policy have made it illegal to earn a living this way because the government wants to create a monopoly on these markets. Regular citizens are in danger of being shut down or even arrested for competing with government-owned markets.
The cost of living in El Salvador is extremely high, with necessities like food and housing costing nearly the same as in the US. For a population that earns $400 a month on average, the cycle of poverty is a daily struggle. Our Saturday program teaches the children ESL, provides caring adult mentors, and introduces them to an alternate reality in which they envision better futures.
In-Country Partners Help Vulnerable Children in El Salvador
Program Director Becky and a staff of four teachers work with children on Saturdays and we’re beginning to see the fruits of their labor. Although some students are challenging, the teachers work hard to earn the kids’ trust and help them understand the value of ESL education.
The program has grown in so many ways and I can see some of the kids changing. Not only because they’re talking in English now, but also changes in their attitude. For me it’s not about the number of kids, it’s that the ones that we have can do something with their lives. We can impact their lives and those are the changes that I see in the program.
–Becky, Program Director in El Salvador
The kids are learning to be better students and believe in their potential through weekly lessons and encouragement. One six-year-old boy who was new to learning English raised his hand often in class at the beginning. He struggled to understand and wasn’t making the effort to learn. After a few months in the program his English skills are improving and he’s proud to tell his teacher when he understands what she’s saying.
Gifted Educators Raise Children’s Self-Confidence
Socioeconomic factors play a role in the lives of Salvadoran children and their parents and guardians often work long hours. The kids only know what they see around them and can be impatient, so our partners work closely to alter their perspectives. Our partnership with a local church provides a facility to house the Saturday program and an evangelism team that talks to the youth monthly.
We have new students every Saturday and people come and say, “We heard about the program and we want to bring our kids here!”
–Becky, Program Director in El Salvador
Summer break takes place from mid-December to mid-January and Becky is brainstorming ways to keep the kids engaged during their vacation. She already has an established routine of giving the children Psalms in English to learn each week, a way to indirectly teach them about God’s love while also bolstering their ESL confidence.
One student, a thirteen-year-old girl, memorizes the weekly Psalms and has discovered an innate passion for learning English through this exercise. Creative learning strategies offset short attention spans and self-defeating behaviors that keep vulnerable kids from reaching their potential.
Working Towards Bringing Counseling to Salvadoran Children
With the ESL program established and thriving, we’re setting our sights on bringing Healing 4 Change to Salvadoran children with regular counseling. One of our staff teachers is a licensed psychologist and is developing relational consistency with the kids in preparation for more in-depth techniques to help them heal from trauma.
It’s our hope that all of the children in our programs who need counseling can receive it. We know that counseling is an integral part of a child achieving their dreams. Right now, we’re limited by funding. You can partner with Unity 4 Orphans to help us work towards this goal, which will allow children in El Salvador and beyond to receive the care necessary for lasting success.
–Caitlin Snyder, Executive Director
As we approach Giving Season and a new year, we look forward to expanding our holistic support in El Salvador. For a program that’s less than a year old, the progress is remarkable, much of it thanks to the incredible in-country team. Join us in directing these children to brighter futures and look forward to more transformation stories in our end-of-year series!
Help Children in El Salvador Learn English and Receive Counseling!