2022 June

The director of social programs in one of the city barrios got in touch with us in December 2021, asking about our scholarships. As a result, we have several of his residents in our program. He is dedicated to providing English, but without opportunity to immerse in English, it was not successful. One of his girls recently said she could see huge increases in English due to speaking English all the time.

The University of Idaho ESL students have been our teachers this year. This was spearheaded by one of our volunteers. It has been a win-win for all.

With escalating construction costs, our handyman housefather built a 4^th apartment in Guatemala City. For the moment this is being used as an office for the call center worked, working from home. He also subdivided the large living room in apartment 1 so we have more office space. This will eventually become another bedroom, as more graduates need a room.

2021

We finish out first year of an English only program. There was a lot of learning on both sides. We know that five of the girls met the goal of 85% English and are working in call centers. Another learned English so she could study at University and another teaching English at her local school.

Thanks to our long term volunteers and new ones through the “Create the Good” AAPR program, we were able to offer several tutors to each girl so they could practice spoken English with Americans. This is a key part of the program, exposing them to various accents, manners of speaking and people who validate our student’s existence.

The students from the ESL program at Eastern Washington University did their practicum with us, providing professional teaching experience.

Volunteer David, former manager of a call center, provided seminars on call center requirements and job skills. This made the transition for our graduates much easier than previous girls had experienced.

December 2020

For a review of the year, please click 2020 Annual report.

Education in 2021 does not look promising. Because of our concerns regarding quality of education and family fears, we are suspending the high school program. However, we are offering a completely in house English program. The scholarships will be for up to 18 months, although the goal would be preparation within 12 months. This will be only for high school graduates and will give them the skill to become employable in an English speaking call center.

We currently have one girl, as a test case. She is progressing very well with hard work. She is hopeful she will have enough skills to job search in early next year.

AMAZING JOB OFFERS

English speaking call center jobs are the one secure opportunity and certainly the highest paid for high school graduates. There are numerous companies in Guatemala City that contract with American companies such as T-mobile, Enterprise rental car and a furniture company. As a result, our girls are earning wonderful salaries that allow them to help their families and let them attend university in their chosen field. Benefits include:

$650 starting salary with bonus, instead of the $150-250 for graduates in Coatepeque
Social Security and medical benefits
Shorter work days: 7 hours instead of 10
Discounted university education

Due to this opportunity, we have shifted our program emphasis. A call center job is a definite job, due to demand, for those who can become fluent in English.

Dalia working. — Dalia working in the Guate house.

IN 2019

By the end of January, I received the following email from Dalia.

I want to tell you about my great experience in Alorica: On January 28, I had an interview by phone. I had to answer many questions. After I waited around 20 minutes and they called me again to tell me that I already had a JOB!!! I started on January 29 the Accent Training, I had to pass 5 English tests and I did it!!!…
I started this week the production training, Let me tell you that I am doing it right. Next Monday I will start taking calls with American People. I just want to say “” I am so happy””.

In 2020, Dalia is working from the Guatemala City house, able to help her family and apply for San Carlos University starting in 2021.

Thanks to sponsors and the many hours given by their “English Angels”! In all, we continue to learn more to help future girls better prepare.

SEMIANNUALLY

Fundraising at the Great Fair in Fountain Hills, AZ is an increasing success. Customers plan their trips to come to our booth. Therefore, we earned enough to buy shoes, computers and supplies for the girls. This may have to come to an end, depending on supplies and my ability to continue selling in Arizona while living in Washington.

ACCEPTING LONG DISTANCE APPLICANTS AND A VARIETY OF CULTURAL BACKGROUNDS

Moving Mariela Maria Rubi — Mariela moving in

For many years now, we have had incredible harmony and an amazingly supportive ambiance of sisters helping sisters. I was not 100% sure that this would continue with the added dimension of cultural diversity.

Our existing girls have great empathy for these new girls who won’t be able to go home until Easter. They were enfolded into the group and have recovered remarkably from the extreme homesickness of the first week. They work as a team of friends.

“Distinguished Friend of Coatepeque”

Spirit’s work was acknowledged by an act of the Coatepeque City council. Pam was given the honor as “Distinguished Friend of Coatepeque”, although without the effort of a huge group of people in the US the work would not have been possible.

Participants were, from left to right: Cesia (5th. year in Auditing), Pam, Jennifer (a new applicant), Mayling (our volunteer dentist) and Miguel, our manager, on the far right who has since retired due to health problems.