GFA Bridge of Hope Program: From Truant Student to Future Teacher

There was simply too much homework … and none of it made sense! Siji would rather stay home feigning sickness than go to school and suffer her teachers’ scolding and scowls.

She hadn’t finished the work they expected of her, and today’s lessons would probably be just as confusing, so what was the point? She might as well stay home … again.

Falling Behind

Siji’s teachers recommended she enroll in extra classes for personalized attention. Based on her failing grades, it seemed she needed help learning every major subject: math, science, English, social studies. She also needed to work on her focus to complete her homework and remember which books and supplies she needed to bring to school.

Siji’s parents knew about their daughter’s difficulties in school, but they couldn’t afford the tutoring she needed to excel in and complete school. Their daily wages from working at the tea estate were just enough to feed and clothe their family and provide the necessities for their three children’s schooling. There was no extra money for academic support.

Siji’s grades and school attendance continued to drop. Then GFA worker Elan spoke to her parents about Bridge of Hope, and a light shone into the dark tunnel of their fears for their daughter’s future.

READ THE REST OF THE REPORT ON GFA-REPORTS.ORG

Learn more about the Gospel for Asia Bridge of Hope program and how you can make an incredible difference in the lives of children, bringing hope to their lives and their families, transforming communities.

Learn more by reading the Gospel for Asia Special Report: Poverty: Public Enemy #1 – Eliminating Extreme Poverty Worldwide is Possible, But Not Inevitable