Follett Trust

World Villages for Children supports the education programmes of the Sisters of Mary to run live-in schools for the most deprived boys and girls across the world. We provide equitable access to education for boys and girls and fund school places and all the daily care needed for nearly 20,000 of the world’s most deprived children each year. We work in the Philippines, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Brazil, and Tanzania.

We provide quality academic and vocational education to children who cannot otherwise afford or access quality education due to poverty, lack of adequate provision, distance, and many other barriers.

Our academic programmes are aligned with the national government curriculum in each country. We are able to deliver a high quality of academic education thanks to the provision of teaching materials, good teacher training, class sizes conducive to improved academic outcomes, and well equipped classrooms to facilitate the needs of every child. A big focus of our programmes is addressing gender inequality in education by championing girls in their education in all areas – with an emphasis on STEM. Girls remain at a big disadvantage in many of the countries we operate in and so providing equitable access for girls is vitally important for their future earning

Vocational training

Alongside a strong academic foundation, the children learn vocational and “soft” social skills they need to find employment, gain confidence and self respect. Above all they experience the joy of a childhood free from the worries of poverty. And every child is given the chance of a future free from poverty for themselves and their loved ones.

Our children learn invaluable vocational skills like bread and pastry making, electronics, carpentry, auto mechanics, sewing and tailoring and many more. These vocational courses are designed and planned in line with the skills needs of the local economy. This ensures that the skills every child learns has immediate value and can help them find employment as soon as they graduate. With decent work and a good income, they are empowered to help themselves and their families.

The Sisters of Mary’s care and service to the poor takes a holistic approach to the care and education of every child.

The wrap-around support we provide is unique. In school, a child’s every need is satisfied. From good nutrition to healthcare, a safe place to sleep, quality education, and social development, they lack for nothing.

The children live in family groups at school under the care of a Mother-Sister who ensures that they have everything they need outside of the classroom. These family groups giving children a sense of belonging and a place to form bonds of friendship with their peers as they live life together.

Delivering quality education and care

The Sisters of Mary deliver the programmes in-country and we work closely with them to raise funds to support the humanitarian education programmes. It’s a warm and profoundly collaborative partnership based on mutual trust and respect that has worked well since 1996.