Education
Our Education Program empowers children through promoting vital social and learning skills. We believe education is essential for breaking the cycle of poverty. Through teaching critical math, reading, and writing skills and engaging students in classes learning English and science, our students are developing a love for learning. Our educational professionals offer students with support and resources empowering them to succeed academically.
MdC’s classes teach children important skills like math.
Our teachers provide students one-on-one attention to help them understand material.
Barriers to education
There is an education crisis in Mexico and especially at the border in San Luis Rio Colorado where only 37% have graduated middle school, 24% highschool and, 9% have graduated from college. A few of the many barriers to education include lack of transportation, unsafe commutes, financial challenges, children needing to work to support their family, or children falling too far behind their grade level to advance. Other times, families do not understand the importance of education and do not prioritize their child’s academic future. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many schools shut down for over two years and failed to provide educational resources. Almost every family we serve does not have access to the internet and most of our students were unable to attend school during this period, significantly increasing gaps in education.
We empower students through celebrating their hard work.
Students love the opportunity to engage with their peers and teachers.
Making education ACCESSIBLE
Our education programs run year-round and are designed to fill the gaps in learning, catch kids up to grade level, teach topics not taught in school (such as health, nutrition and life skills), and provide support so kids are able to attend school.
During the academic school year, we run both morning and afternoon education programs. For some students, our school programs are the only opportunity they have to receive an education. For others, our programs reteach the fundamentals so students learn the required material to reach grade level proficiency. During the summer, we run a longer program that includes both learning and more fun activities. Our programs teach children how to work in groups and stretch their thinking with new concepts. All of our programs include a well-balanced, healthy meal. By locating our program in the community where students live and providing needed one-on-one attention, we make education accessible to all.
We have seen remarkable progress from the children we work with. Initially, there were many kids that had never attended school, so there was a lot of work to be done to teach children how to follow rules, focus for extended periods of time, and get along with others. Many students lacked self-confidence, but with continued reinforcement, love and encouragement from our teachers, they have learned to believe in themselves, feel more confident, and develop a more positive self-image. We are excited by the progress students are making and our vision is for every student to graduate high school and see that college is a possibility.
MdC educational model
In August of 2024, MdC will be opening a full-time private school to ensure students get the education they need to succeed to graduate high school and continue their studies beyond. Over the last several years, we have seen a disturbing trend that students are not learning in public school and many students reach secondary school without fundamental reading and basic math. Student-to-teacher ratios are upwards of 36:1 and crowded classrooms make learning extremely difficult for most. .
MdC looks at youth education though the lens of a house that we are constructing. The house contains the necessary educational elements, while the foundation supports learning. The foundational pillars ensure our students and families have healthy bodies and minds, livable conditions and economic capacity, and a supportive network of empowered role models.
Our vision is a vibrant, thriving community where children are attending school, graduating college and able to provide a better future for their families
Teacher, Sarai helps a student learn her numbers.
Interactive activities engage students while learning important skills.
Healthy Meals
Our education programs always begin with a healthy meal. We have learned that kids are often hungry when they arrive and can focus better after they eat. All meals have a balance of carbohydrates, protein, vegetables, fruits, and calcium to support healthy growth in kids.
Students have come to enjoy the large variety of healthy meals that are lovingly prepared by our kitchen staff.
Summer School
MdC’s summer school program is a 5-day a week program designed to extend learning beyond the classroom. Our summer school serves kids ages five to fourteen with a wide range of abilities. Students are divided into groups by age and ability and rotate through our a variety of fun classes and activities.
Classes at our summer school program include Spanish, math, English, art, physical education, health and life skills.
Students brush their teeth while in our program and are fed a healthy meal each day.
“I believe that teaching and learning leave a mark on the kids if they are done with dedication and perseverance. ”
Support our education programs
Please ensure every child gets the education they deserve by donating today.
Maria, MdC’s head teacher and director of the education program, discuses the joys and challenges of teaching students in the community.