The goal of the Adelante Program is to help students stay in school beyond the 5th grade. Many families can’t afford the cost of school (uniforms, paper and pencils, etc.) for all of their children at the same time. Stopping school at 6th grade for one child may make it possible for another brother or sister to start their education – a difficult choice for parents to make.
The Adelante program began in 2005 with eight students. Today, the program has grown to serve more than 100 students each year – more than 1,500 in total. Over the past five years, 12 – 25 Adelante students per year have graduated from high school, and approximately 50% of these graduates go on to continued schooling at university.
The number of students served is only limited by the number of sponsors. For just $250 you can become a sponsoring Padrino or Madrina (Godparent) for a student for a full year, and help change their life forever. Most of the students who stay in the program graduate high school, and many go on to university.
Sponsored students and their parents sign an agreement and meet with Project Eden staff three times per year. Students agree to maintain a grade of 80% or better in all classes. Students who fall below this score are required to attend weekly tutoring sessions, working to bring their grades up. The tutoring center and classrooms are available to all students one weekday morning, and Saturday morning. The center has computers and printers available, as well as internet connection, providing technology access that is limited in many homes. It is not unusual to have 40 – 60 students come to the center on Saturday morning to work on homework or to receive instruction from the tutors. Many of the tutoring staff are former Adelante students from the region, who have gone on to university and are working at the center to give something back to the community.
Funding is provided to families at each of the three school-year meetings, helping cover the cost of supplies, uniforms, and other direct educational expenses. Students are required to show their grades, as well as receipts for their expenses, in order to receive the next disbursement. Students write letters to their sponsors during the school year.
