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Highlight of my 2018:

MSC archived stories - January 1, 2019

In accordance with Guatemalan tradition, Katerin took a year break from school – just before I met her to celebrate quinceañera (girl celebrating her 15th birthday). She is now one and a half years away from graduating from the CI program. She is full of hopes for the future and determined to do well in studies, even though there were some setbacks in her academic performance in the past, as revealed in Education Report (ER).

The ER, however stated that “we do not recommend the sponsor send extra contribution for Katerin’s education since the risk that she will not be responsible is high.”  I simply could not believe or accept this premise because I trusted her to do well when she came into my care in early 2017.

Katerin wanted to learn typing, so she enrolled in a course at the beginning of the year. In a class of 11 students, she’s doing very well and using a typewriter to write in Spanish.

And, we were both fortunate enough to send/receive large Direct Packages of art materials (from within Guatemala) and books (from Scholastic, US) before the restrictions brought in place in late July. (her letters of thanks saved to My Media)

 

Katerin says, she is the second best reader in her class. In particular, I was so glad that she stood up to my challenge of producing a masterpiece – beautiful portrait of me! (17" x 22" – saved to My Media). I treasure it very much indeed, and intend to use her drawing in my next project and showcase to the world!

Comments

  1. chelaka16 March 2025 at 17:45

    In her photos, Katerin looks like a dedicated student especially after completing her typing class and being such a good reader. I wonder why the local staff feels she is not "responsible" and that her risk of not returning to school is high? I know few girls in Guatemala go to school past the 6th grade. It seems like the staff isn't giving you enough information.....

    January 1, 2019

    ReplyDelete
  2. chelaka16 March 2025 at 17:45

    Yes, I know she is doing just fine whatever the past situation was (not concerning me)!

    January 2, 2019

    ReplyDelete
  3. chelaka16 March 2025 at 17:45

    A year break from school? That could be the concern because none of my Guatemalan children have done this. Maybe it is becoming uncommon and the staff are worried that she is taking this break?

    January 21, 2019

    ReplyDelete

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