Every year about this time, students and their parents go on “back to school” shopping trips. I remember the days when my two kids would get so excited at the prospect of new clothes, shiny binders, and the latest (and coolest) backpack. The start of school is exciting for students in part because it comes with chance to get “geared up” for another year of learning, experiences, and fun. It is a great way to start a new year of school.
For the PathLight Sponsorship+ students, the start of a new year of school is a different story. Families in the rural areas of Belize have very little financial capacity to buy school supplies for their students, as most of the family’s money goes towards meeting basic needs. Add to this that many parents have more than one student in school and you can see what a challenge it is for parents to “gear up” their students. In addition, teachers have very little funding for classroom materials or their own continuing education, making the school year less than what it could be.
I’m writing to ask you to join us in ensuring students and teachers in rural Belize get the school supplies and educational support they need to have a successful school year. There are many students in the Sponsorship+ Program that do not yet have sponsors and we want to bless them – and their teachers – with resources to start their school year right.
Help us equip students like Aracelly, a PathLight student and recent high school graduate, who graduated top of her class and was not only valedictorian but also “student of the year.” Through Aracelly’s hard work and determination, along with the holistic support of the Sponsorship+ Program, she is moving on to the University of Belize and inspiring a whole new group of young people (you can find out more about Aracelly on our website.
Join me by selecting one (or more) of the options on our Back to School Campaign website. Let’s get students ready for a fantastic school year!