News from our schools - August

The annual Birthday celebration of all the children on 15th August was a rousing success with lots of fun had by all the children around the world. Each child received a modest gift of clothes, school supplies and a sweet treat. This small gift meant so much to each of our boys and girls, many of whom will not have celebrated a birthday before.

A prayer from the Archdiocese of Westminster

The day was made extra special by a prayer for the children from Fr Chris Vipers, from the Diocese of Westminster, which touched and inspired all the children and the Sisters.

It was really a joyous day, the children were so very thankful for all the kindness of our supporters and their joy would not be possible without you. Thank you all!

In Mexico, early August saw the arrival of the newest students. Our girls’ school in Chalco welcomed 905 new girls with our Guadalajara boys’ school welcoming 577 new boys. These new children come from deeply impoverished backgrounds across Mexico and are delighted to be given the chance to gain a good quality education in order to find good jobs once they graduate.

When they arrive, the children are often in the company of their whole families, proud to see that one of their children has the chance to escape the poverty they themselves are trapped in. These children will be the brighter future of these families.

Adjusting to a new life at school

Joining school is a highly emotional time for these youngsters who will receive regular meals for the first time. Safe in the care of the Sisters, they will recover, grow strong, make new friends, receive a quality education, develop hobbies, play sport, and receive all the supplies they will need for the life at school. This is all thanks to our supporters.

In the schools around the world, despite their hectic timetable, the children maintained their ambitious approach to competition. They constantly challenge themselves against their regional, national and international colleagues.

The Honduras boys won first place in Basketball, Football and Handball competitions, with the Handball team also taking first place in the National Student Games (CODICADER). They will now represent the country in El Salvador on 5th October. An amazing achievement! The girls were not to be outdone and they also won first place in their Basketball and football competition during National youth week.

Competing in science and vocational subjects

In Guatemala the girls and boys were champions in regional band competitions and the environmental initiative run by the Municipality of Guatemala. In Brazil the girls progressed to the next level in the National Science Olympiad. Elsewhere, in Adlas, the Philippines, the boys were crowned champion in the History Quiz Bee – part of the Panlalawigan Mind Challenge. The girls in Biga Girlstown represented the region in Fashion Technology, also reclaiming the trophy for the Mind challenge in History.