Rochelle’s Guatemalan Scholarships

Hello everyone!

So here we are at year 2 for these students!!!!

Thanks to you guys I have paid for the start of the year costs - initial fees, textbooks etc. So they are set and ready to go. They are very excited to get the year underway. Monthly I send them their transport costs and monthly school fees. I will also be sending Corina a few dollars for some new work shoes. For Wilson I have paid for a few new uniform items as he has grown!

You will see that this site no longer accepts donations - just direct bank credits as this means that I don't have to pay any fees and all the money goes straight to pay these guys.

On a personal note - Some of you may know already that I am moving to Australia to work. This is mostly a financial move as my earning ability is better there and I want to be able to continue to support these guys to the end of their 3 years study - and pay my mortgage off before I'm 80 years old :)

Much love to you all and thank you for your continued support - I couldn't do it without you.

r

hola! Hello everyone, here we are in September already! It's been humbling to see these three people work hard to keep up with their studies - and flourish thanks to you!

Corina (studying for her Registered Nurse qualification), is currently on clinical placement in one of the big hospitals in Guatemala City. It takes her about 1.5 hours in "chicken bus" just to get there, so that's a long day! (What's a chicken bus? They are revved up old American school buses used all over Guatemala - definitely google that!). With your support we are have paid all her university fees for this year and we are now covering her transport costs to her placement every month - approx $US50.

Wilson (Technical drawing, construction and autoCAD). Wilson is such a diligent young man, he is often at school from 7am thru to 7pm, he's done very well in his exams and workshops and is highly regarded by his teachers. We have been able to buy Wilson a laptop (only one more payment to go - $US175). He has joined the school band and often participates in the fiestas in Antigua, a really popular activity for young and old in Antigua.

Mauricio (English Language studies). Mauricio has perfect attendance at his course and he is working hard with his written and spoken language - he's quite shy so the spoken part is tough for him. He's actively seeking part time work as well, to help support himself and the family.

Wilson and Mauricio's living situation is quite precarious - and these past three months their caregiver has really struggled with keeping a roof over their heads and food on the table. I fully expected the boys to have to drop out of their studies, however, they have managed to scrape by and they both continue to study without dropping their grades. I am immensely inspired by their tenacity and grit.

Ok people, I trust you are all well, flick me a message sometime, and my absolute respect and love to you all for helping me help these guys :

Adios! Xxxx

Hello you generous bunch!

Its the end of the first half of the year for the students. They have all been busy with exams as you can imagine.

Corina - has been participating in educational events where she has been demonstrating the Mayan Medical System, especially the role of 'comadrona' - similar to a local midwife. She is currently beginning her end of semester exams - lots of science and communication strategies. She is managing to juggle her work and study commitments with much love and support from her dear family.

Mauricio - is focusing on his English Language skills for next semester and will return to his tourism programme in the new year. He has been finding it difficult to cover all his costs at university and needs to find some part time work to help, he has put his programme on hold so he can save some money. The English Language programme is with Maximo Nivel, the same folks that I volunteered with, so I know he is in good hands. English Language skills are essential for anyone working in tourism in Guatemala, so this is a great way to keep learning while he gets himself in a better financial position.

Wilson - is a machine! He is so determined and focused on his course. He is doing very well in all his exams. I have been able to organise a laptop for Wilson (paying monthly installments) - kicked off by a very generous donation from my friend Johan - thanks Johan! Only 3 more payments to go now. Wilson wasn't able to fully participate in some of his classes because he did not have a computer at home and the essential CAD - computer aided design programme. Now hes all caught up and really enjoying his studies.

Thanks to everyones support, these guys are doing so well, Im so impressed with their hard work and commitment and with your continued support.

Much love!

Hello wonderful donators, thanks to you all I have been able to transfer money to pay for both Wilson's and Mauricio's stationery and textbooks for the year1 THANKYOU!!! They are both over the moon and have already started the year with lots of enthusiasm. My next efforts are going towards paying for Mauricio's uniforms. I will keep you posted. :D

Corina has settled into her work and study routine. She says its very busy, she's got lovely classmates and is already finding her studies are helpful at her nursing job. She's trying to raise funds for a computer so she can do her homework at home - much easier!

Thanks so much for both the online and offline donations! Every little bit helps these guys directly and I really appreciate you joining me on this journey.

Rochelle

thank you Sue Daly, you're a star. Always supporting me! Thanks for helping me to help these lovely people.