Education

International Samaritan supports educational programs in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Haiti, serving more than 1,500 children daily. Once destined to spend all their lives scavenging in the dump, these most vulnerable children now have the tools to escape the chains of poverty.

In Guatemala, we are currently building a secondary school, where students will have a work/internship opportunity that will compliment the education provided by International Samaritan schools. This is based on the Jesuit Cristo Rey model of schools.

Cristo Rey schools utilize a longer school day and year, academic assistance, and counseling to prepare students with a broad range of academic abilities for higher education. All students at Cristo Rey schools participate in a work-study program through which they finance the majority of the cost of their education, gain real-world job experience, grow in self-confidence, and realize the relevance of their education.

If you would like to be a part of these exciting new projects, please contact I.S. Executive Director Oscar Dussán at 734-222-0701

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Q: What educational programs does International Samaritan support?

International Samaritan sustains a number of educational initiatives:

  1. Francisco Coll School in Guatemala City: Located at the Guatemala City garbage dump, the Francisco Coll School provides quality education and nutritious food to more than 300 children in grades 1 – 6. For those requiring more personalized attention, a professional counselor on staff provides additional support and encouragement for students and their families. Parents attend regular workshops on such topics as the prevention of child abuse, family violence, hyperactivity disorders, and substance abuse.

  2. Step by Step Program (Paso a Paso): In a country where graduating the 6th grade is a major accomplishment, Step by Step gives Coll School alumni the opportunity to pursue an education beyond that level. In addition to providing scholarships for tuition, books, uniforms, and transportation, IS assists students in finding the best educational opportunities, helps them adjust to their new educational settings, and follows up on their performance. Through “Paso a Paso”, IS is helping hard-working graduates take the next step toward a future beyond the sickness, poverty, and hopelessness of life in the garbage dump.

  3. Santa Maria Basico School in Guatemala City: Scheduled for dedication in 2011, this school will offer students from the Coll School and the garbage area academic classes for grades 7-8-9 as well as instruction in carpentry, computers, welding, etc. The goal is give students marketable skills for future employment.

  4. International Samaritan School San Pedro Sula, Honduras: Serving 500 students in grades 1-6, offering the same services as the Coll School in Guatemala.

  5. Colegio Nuevo Paraiso, Moraceli, Honduras: Severely damaged in 1998 by the devastating winds of Hurricane Mitch, Colegio Nuevo Paraiso was refurbished and expanded through a 2004 grant from International Samaritan. The school serves more than 250 students and includes vocational training in grades 7-9.

  6. Santa Ana Youth Center, Santa Ana, El Salvador: Responding to an overwhelming need for academic support services and a healthy, secure after-school environment, the Santa Ana Youth Center serves some 400 children. Free from the violence and dangers of the dump, children ages 6-16 benefit from academic enrichment and a fine arts program.

  7. Colegio San Antonio Claret II, Guatemala City: International Samaritan has awarded grants to San Antonio Claret II School for construction and equipment projects. Part of the Fe y Alegria network of Jesuit-sponsored schools throughout Latin America, the Claret School serves more than 250 children living in extreme poverty. In addition, International Samaritan mission trip participants tutor and complete service projects at the school.

 

Q. How can I get involved in helping I.S. meet its educational goals for the future?

In Honduras, we are planning on expanding the number of classrooms at the International Samaritan School to offer 7th, 8th and 9th grade classes.

In Haiti, we are partnering with the Jesuits to rebuild 18 schools destroyed by the January 2010 earthquake.