Finding Freedom Through Friendship Blog is Back!
Our loyal readers may have noticed the long pause between Finding Freedom Through Friendship blog posts. Writing creatively and sharing the stories of the women we serve requires a clear mind and time—both of which have been in short supply. While the blog sat quiet, amazing things unfolded within our nonprofit. It’s time to share them with you, starting small—because relating our progress feels too big and impressive to capture at once.
Our tutoring programs in Egypt (Wings of Freedom Tutoring Program) and Guatemala (Academia ALAS Tutoring Program) continue to thrive, driven by our unwavering belief that every child has an innate intelligence waiting to be nurtured. All of our Finding Freedom Through Friendship tutoring students experience poverty. Economic hardship brings trauma, hindering a child’s ability to learn. In Egypt, our dedicated WOF social workers train tirelessly to support students facing these challenges, and we couldn’t be prouder of their commitment. Ten WOF social workers are the key to providing holistic emotional health to our WOF students.
The formal education systems in Egypt and Guatemala present significant obstacles for impoverished students. Overcrowded classrooms, outdated materials, and underpaid, overburdened teachers create an environment where many children fall behind, especially those in rural areas. In both countries where we provide tutoring programs, government schools are often poorly funded, and students from low-income families struggle with limited access to quality instruction. Rote memorization replaces critical thinking, and many children drop out to help support their families. Girls, in particular, face barriers to continuing their education due to societal norms and early marriage pressures.
Public schools lack resources in Guatemala, and teachers often go unpaid for months due to government funding shortages. Many children, especially Indigenous students, don’t have access to education in their native language, making learning even more difficult. School fees, uniforms, and supplies are costly, forcing families to choose between education and survival. Malnutrition, a widespread issue, further hampers a child’s ability to concentrate and succeed in school.
Despite these challenges, Finding Freedom Through Friendship remains committed to breaking the cycle of poverty through education. Our Guatemalan tutoring center has tripled the number of students since its launch two years ago. Seeing the growing need for education and economic empowerment, we’ve expanded the center to include a women’s development program. Thanks to a generous donation, this initiative is now a reality. Education should be a pathway to opportunity, not another barrier to overcome
