Special Educational Needs

State schools in Paraguay cannot afford educational games, readers or special needs teachers. This is a great challenge for educators here. If children cannot follow the pace of the teacher or access their "chalk and talk" methodology, they get left further and further behind until eventually they drop out of school.

Classroom in Quyquhó

Emotional trauma often inhibits learning and many of the children in the home and Feeding Programme were unable to read. This was also affecting their self esteem. Much of Sam's time in the home is dedicated to teaching literacy and maths in a loving, affirming environment. The children here are hungry to learn and this makes teaching a real joy. Since 2009 over 20 children are now reading, writing and improving their numeracy and it has been particularly encouraging to see the effects of this on their behaviour and confidence levels.

Marlene was Sam's first student

In December we were once again overwhelmed by a generous donation from another friend towards educational resources for Sam's work which enabled us to buy much needed text books, games and story books. The delight on the faces of the children says it all.