The enthusiasm was evident, with eight students requesting to extend their learning for another four weeks. To instill a sense of commitment, José introduced a nominal fee of $1 per class—not to cover costs, but to symbolize the students' investment in their own education, a strategy to ensure the program's success.

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What sets our English program apart is not just the learning but the creation of a safe, supportive environment where teenagers, predominantly aged 12-17, come together to uplift and encourage one another. Our inclusive program welcomes a diverse age range of 7-38 years, celebrating the unique contributions of each learner.

 

Within a year, due to high demand, we introduced an additional beginner class Mondays  and Thursdays 2pm-3pm. We honor our students' progress every 10 weeks with an "English Presentation Party," showcasing their improved skills through presentations and games, and celebrating their achievements with a cake—a simple yet profound act of encouragement.

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Now, nearly three years since inception, with four classes running weekly and 45 students participating, our program has seen remarkable growth. José's dedication is apparent; his classes are Mondays, Thursdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, maintaining a vibrant learning schedule.

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Our fundraising strategy has evolved to better support this flourishing program. Moving away from individual sponsorships, we now aim to cover the full program costs with donations. By enabling us to provide these classes for free to students who maintain an attendance rate of 80% or more, this approach not only eliminates financial hurdles but also instills in students the understanding that their active participation is crucial to the program's success.

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Join us in nurturing this vital educational program, where teenagers find not just learning, but a sense of belonging and mutual support. Together, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of our students and the broader community.