What if you never graduated from high school?

What if you never graduated from high school? Where would you be right now? What would you be doing?

Well, friends, here in Costa Rica, that is sadly the fate of about 60% of Ticos! That's right, 60% of Costa Ricans never make it to high school graduation! It's tragic, really, because this country is full of bright, enthusiastic kids who could do a whole lot with an education. Unfortunately, many never get that opportunity, due to poverty, teen pregnancy, crime, drugs, and often just a lack of someone in their lives to tell them they can do it and they should try.

That's where my Peace Corps work comes in. I am starting an after school program for kids from kindergarten through sixth grade here in my community, La Inmaculada. The program will offer homework help, free English classes, mentoring, and other fun, recreational activities like music, science, sports, dance, etc. For now, it will operate 3 days a week. I have 25 kids signed up and the calls from parents keep coming. These families really want their kids to have an opportunity to learn English and to excel in school. They just don't always have the resources to help them do that. Hopefully, this project can help bridge the gap!

To make this happen, I need help from you! I am asking for donations, large or small, whatever you can give, of basic schools supplies and non-perishable foods we can use for snacks.

My parents are coming to visit me in a month. If you can contribute anything, anything at all, please contact me and we will find a way to get the goods to my parents who will then bring them to me in CR. If that doesn't work, you can also mail donations to this address:

Rachel Rutter, PCV
Cuerpo de Paz
Apartado postal 193-6350
Quepos, Costa Rica

Either way, Let me know so I can keep track of how much we have/need! :)

Here's a list of ideas to get started:

notebook paper
construction paper
markers
crayons
colored pencils
scissors
tape
glue
play dough
pens
pencils
paints
beads/string
any other craft supplies
books in English or Spanish
cookies
crackers
fruit snacks

Any help you can give would be SO APPRECIATED by both me and my community, especially the wonderful kids here in La Inmaculada. THANK YOU!!! :)