You’re Making a Difference Here
WHY GHANA?
Ghana was, until very recently, one of the poorest countries in the world. Over the past few years, the nation has experienced unprecedented growth and development (IFAD report; African Development Bank). Although the lives of Ghanaians have improved greatly, the country still faces many challenges, especially in the education sector.
In Ghana, 18% of primary school age children are not enrolled in school and of those who are in school, 28% will drop out before completing primary school (UNESCO, 2012). Additionally, over 28% of the Ghanaian population is illiterate and out of all the current primary school classrooms, the government estimates that almost a quarter need repairs (World Bank, 2014; USAID, 2009).
PoP works with 152 communities in Ghana to ensure that students overcome these and other barriers to accessing quality education. Currently, PoP is impacting over 41,000 students in Ghana.
WHY GUATEMALA?
In Guatemala, where over 50% of the population lives below the poverty line, socioeconomic status is one of the biggest barriers to accessing a quality education (World Bank 2013). The average length of schooling for a Guatemalan child is only four years and 24.1% of the population is illiterate (US Aid 2014; World Bank 2014).
Pencils of Promise works with 205 communities in Guatemala to ensure our students overcome these, and other, barriers to accessing quality education. Currently, PoP is impacting over 39,000 students in Guatemala.
WHY LAOS?
In Laos, one of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia, a lack of educational infrastructure is one of the greatest barriers to accessing a quality education (BBC News Asia). 27% of people in Laos are illiterate, with even higher illiteracy rates amongst ethnic minorities (World Bank 2014).
Pencils of Promise works with 123 communities in Laos to ensure that our students overcome these, and other, barriers to accessing quality education. Currently, PoP is impacting over 15,000 students in Laos.
Your Impact On Quality Education
Thanks to SmileDirectClub’s generous support, Pencils of Promise will deliver Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programming to thousands of students. In addition to WASH programming, students will have access to a safe school structure and quality learning materials. By investing in Pencils of Promise’s educational programs, you’re helping ensure students have access to everything they need to receive a quality education.
Learn more about the critical Water, Sanitation and Hygiene program you’re supporting throughout Ghana, Guatemala and Laos:
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Programs (WASH)
443 million school days are lost each year because of water-and sanitation-related diseases (UNDP). We believe that access to clean water, private bathrooms and good hygiene practices are essential for the growth and development of students. Our WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene) program provides safe infrastructure and hygiene lessons to keep kids healthy, happy and in school.
From the start, we’ve believed a PoP school should be more than just a building: it’s the start of a transformative education. It’s a spark that creates a sustainable partnership with communities and unlocks the promise of generations to come. By investing in these programs, you are ensuring PoP students are progressing in their education, and we’ve got the results to prove it. You are joining us as we build hope, joy, community and a brighter future!
Thank you.
Your Impact In Action
Welcome to El Pochal, Guatemala, where two members of the PoP Family discuss their dedication to teaching students about sanitation and hygiene practices:
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Ms. Beatriz López – PoP Teacher, Preschool
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