Education

   March 4, 2003:  "I remember back to my first year here and wonder if I would ever be able to endure such conditions again.  The students acted with a disrespect that I had never witnessed before.  The dishonesty, the vandalism, the laziness, the indifference- all weighed heavily upon my soul, but today our students walk peacefully within our gates.  The robbing has all but disappeared entirely.  The indifference is dying.  You can see it in their eyes.  What is exciting and motivating is the energy that our students are showing.  What is inspiring is their hope to escape the poverty.  What is encouraging is that each year the children have improved immeasurably."

These words were written by Dan Pappalardo during his third year of missionary work in El Progreso, El Salvador.  The students took advantage of the opportunities presented to them as many graduated high school, and some even continued on to college.  Others saw that the promises made by the principal and teachers weren't empty, and they began to work harder to escape the poverty themselves.

To promote their education, funds were raised for classroom construction, a teacher's salary, and most importantly, university scholarships.  The AWE Foundation hopes to continue this work, not only in El Progreso, El Salvador, but in other villages where there is both need and motivation.

8th -11th grade students volunteer their time to help with classroom construction

Ademir, music teacher, teaches "La Feria Cepillin" to the kindergarten students on the brand new stage

Educational needs in El Progreso and neighboring villages: 1.  University Scholarships ($1000 per year) which covers about 80% of all university costs - tuition, books, transportation, food, rent, etc. 2.  Assistance with teachers' salaries. 3.  Additional classroom construction to accommodate a  growing population and an influx of students from surrounding areas who seek a quality education.