Children are the future—of our world and of our Catholic Church.
“Train the young in the way they should go; even when old they will not swerve from it.” – Proverbs 22:6
With your help, children in Mano Amiga schools throughout North and South America are getting the high-quality Catholic education they need to pave their way out of poverty and lead holy lives.
Catholic World Mission is proud to celebrate the 10th anniversary of our partnership with Mano Amiga schools. Will you join us in supporting this vital, transformative work?
Your gift today will change everything for children surrounded by poverty, unemployment, violence, and drug abuse.
You will provide scholarships so children can attend Mano Amiga Brazil, where students receive not only a Catholic private-school education, but their families can access health services, job assistance, and more.
You’ll also help provide the school’s 700-plus students with textbooks that teach the principles of citizenship, solidarity, and self-knowledge and reinforce the Catholic values that are central to a Mano Amiga education.
Mano Amiga was founded in 1963 in Mexico to bring high quality Catholic education to children from low-income families. Mano Amiga schooling is much more than education, it is a system for radically transforming the life of a child in poverty.
Mano Amiga education is also comparable to high quality private school education. It not only prepares its students academically, but also offers accessory programs to help the family, such as basic health services, and job placement. A very important mission of the school is the spiritual accompaniment of the students and their families. Students receive a Catholic to the core formation. The school prepares students to receive their first communion, to bring baptism to Catholic students who are not baptized, and organizes penitential days for the entire community.
Helping the Next Generation of Children
Join us as we continue our support in helping the next generation of children recognize their God-given potential and give them the chance to transform their lives. A scholarship to a Mano Amiga school will also bring their families hope and help their communities succeed. Together, we can continue to give these exceptional students the opportunity to pave the path out of poverty!
Mission
Education: Offers academic excellence and personalized education. Education in self-esteem and self-confidence. Higher learning in the areas of English Language and Computation.
Family: School for parents. Family counseling. Job opportunities for parents.
Community: Distribution of food, clothing, shoes and other donations in kind. Immediate assistance in emergencies and accidents. Support for community projects.
Differences
Skill they need to succeed: Gain mastery of subjects and develop the communication, leadership and critical thinking.
Passionate and well-trained teachers: Deliver lessons using innovative techniques and engaging activities.
Catholic values: Are integrated in every lesson & activity.
Students have access to after-school support: Mentoring, remediation, and counseling.
Health and nutrition programs: help ensure each child’s optimum performance in school.
Extra activities: Field trips, sports activities, leadership programs, clubs and student enrichment activities are run by local volunteers.
Programs
Educational Programs: Provide comprehensive education for children and young people in human, spiritual and social fields.
Health Program: Includes first level health care for students and teaching staff. There students and teachers can get basic clinical examinations, eye care, hearing and oral health diagnostics.
Economic Program: Individual communication and guidance to parents to help them with family economic sustainability, and student permanence approach with the school as a development center.
Nutrition Program: A nutrition program was necessary for the students because they were undernourished and eating meals without vegetables or meat.
The program not only serves their parents as well. It is teaching them that adequate nutrition is important for the growth of their children.
Impact
Healthy environment for students.
Combat the phenomena of social decay: Comprehensive training, based on values and morals; emotional intelligence; development of will; respect for others; the practice of justice and tolerance; the exercise of freedom, peace and respect for nature.
Combat school dropout through a long-term project that monitors students to keep them in the institution.
Prepare students to enter the labor market.
Provide access to health and medicine to very needy families of the students.
Support parents in search of work.
Complement the educational hub with family support programs and community development.
Education are Essential to End the Cycle of Poverty
Argentina has a population of 43 million people – 92% of whom are Catholic! Unfortunately, approximately 12 million of Argentinians – 30% – live below the poverty line. The labor force in Argentina is made up of nearly 18 million people working in agriculture, industry, or services. Phenomenally, on average, Argentina has 98% literacy for men and women! This can only be compared with the average number of years an Argentinian spends in school: 17 years. For so many students, it is truly a blessing to grow up in Argentina, however in rural areas it is much harder to keep the focus on school. Even though education is essential to end the cycle of poverty and help people rise above and beyond the poverty line.
Mano Amiga Santa María opened in 2003 and offers educational programs ranging from elementary to high school; continuing education workshops and training for teachers, students, and parents; and a wide array of extra-curricular activities.
Its educational and pedagogical program focuses on developing 4 important aspects of each person: spiritual, scientific, human, and social. Mano Amiga Santa María also offers training programs for teachers, as well as important spiritual formation courses for parents.
With the help of CWM, Mano Amiga Santa María provides excellent education to poor children and adolescents.
Scholarships for Needy Childrens
Since 2008 Brazil has fought for a stable economy, and has achieved this through debt reduction programs. Although the country is performing well, there are still pockets of poverty. 21.4% of the population lives under the poverty line. Mão Amiga Brazil supports a population in dire need of financial resources that is located in the outskirts of Itapecerica da Serra, bordering the outskirts of São Paulo and Embu-Guaçu. It is located in the Jardim Santa Júlia district, surrounded by a region in need of our help, due to many issues, such as poverty, violence and drug abuse.
Mão Amiga Brazil opened its doors in 2006 with 48 pre school children in a remote village far from the metropolitan area of San Paul. This town, Jardin Santa Julia, with 20,000 residents has been plagued through the years with unemployment, violence, poverty and illiteracy.
Students: 440
Founded: 2006
The goal of Mão Amiga Brazil transcends that of traditional academics. Administrators and educators of the school have geared their program to address the whole needs of the impoverished child. From attention issues to perseverance, discipline, learning deficits and spirituality, the objective is to raise impoverished children out of the confines of generational poverty, allowing them the ability to become self-sufficient and use the gifts God gave them.
Fourteen needy children have received scholarships this fall to attend our Mão Amiga School in Brazil. Thanks to Dr. Nicholas Perricone, a generous and loyal donor, these children are given a significant chance for success through a formative Catholic education. Dr. Perricone has had a heart for the children of Brazil for many years. He has demonstrated his support by funding scholarships to allow these children a chance at a formative Catholic education, and families the opportunity to lift themselves out of generational poverty.
Providing an Education to Impoverished Area
Colombia has population of 46 million people. 27.8% of those people live under the poverty line in dire situations. Although the country has roots in Catholic it is not prevailing ideology of the country. The government is doing everything in its power to increase security and stop drug trafficking and gang violence. Poor cities still suffer under this oppression though. Providing an education to poor child in impoverished area like the two Mano Amiga schools in Colombia helps change the ideology of the communities and helps children choose career paths other than corruption and violence.
Mano Amiga Bello
Students: 667
Founded: 1995
Location: Medellín, Colombia
Medellín, Colombia has dark history of gang violence. The repercussions of this violence are still felt today, but Mano Amiga Bello is a bacon of hope in the midst of great difficulty.
Mano Amiga Bello opened in 1995, during the hight of gang violence. In the beginning, there were 30 students who attended class in a small home. Soon, teachers, students, parents, and neighbors started to help. They began building “their school” to counteract the indifferences and destruction that was created by the violence in Bello.
Today, Mano Amiga Bello is major education institution in the area. It serve 600 low-income students, giving hope to impoverished families who can’t afford school otherwise.
Mano Amiga Zipaquirá
Students: 120
Founded: 2011
Location: Zipaquirá, Colombia
Mano Amiga Zipaquirá is located in a rural area in outskirts of Bogota. Their first classroom had only 20 students but they hope to one day have 900 students attend the school.
Today, Mano Amiga Zipaquirá is growing at a rapid rate. Out of nearly 11,000 residents, only 3,000 or so have some level of education. Visit the Updates tab to learn more about new efforts to support Mano Amiga Zipaquirá growth.
Provide High Level Catholic Education
The Mano Amiga San Antonio school is located in a rural area of the “Departamento de La Paz,” near the central coast of El Salvador. The families with children in the Mano Amiga school come from the municipalities of Santiago Nonualco, San Pedro Masahuat and San Luis La Herradura, in the district of La Paz. The majority of families have very scarce economic resources, with low incomes. Most of them work in the informal sector as fishermen, market vendors, sugar cane planters; and those who work in the formal sector have a high level of instability. Mano Amiga San Antonio strives to provide to families in the community with opportunities as well.
Mano Amiga San Antonio School
Students: 414
Founded: 2002
Location: San Antonio, El Salvador
The educational model of the Mano Amiga San Antonio school is based on the dignity of the human person. It provides children and youth who are in poverty and in vulnerable conditions the opportunity to obtain a comprehensive high level Catholic education; where they learn human, moral and spiritual principles; as well as values to strengthen the family, break the cycle of poverty, overcome the threat of social violence, and achieve personal, family and community development.
Students and families can also receive the Sacraments weekly and get to participate in a fully functioning church community.
Father Miguel Cavalle Puig L.C., who leads the Mano Amiga program in El Salvador, is thankful for donors. Without your help these children might end up on the streets, begging and surrounded by crime and violence.
Extracurricular Activities
- Full time-Inclusive school: Activities are scheduled throughout the school day to help the students acquire practical skills in technology, sports, artistic activities, and religion to name a few. In addition to the Mano Amiga students, other students are served from four schools in the surrounding areas.
- Adult literacy: High school students participate in coordination with the Ministry of Education and the support of teachers.
- Tutoring courses: Students of all degrees are able to receive additional afternoon classes to improve their academic performance.
- Homework club: Students of all grades, referred and volunteers, receive support from teachers in the afternoon to do their homework tasks.
- Parent’s school: Parents participate in monthly sessions to acquire knowledge and skills related to family and parenting issues.
The VIS Foundation began building a Church. The community is so excited because the priest will also be serving the students of Mano Amiga. Students, teachers, and the community will be receiving integral moral formation, thanks to the help of Catholic World Mission donors.
Serves and Supports Families by Education
Cristo Rey Piedra Parada is an impoverished community, located near Guatemala City. They have a population of 4600 people, half of whom are children. Characteristically, they are all very hard working people, but due to lack of education they earn very little. Mano Amiga Guatemala believes in the dignity of all human beings and provides opportunities for the children in education, their families, and the community to succeed.
Mano Amiga Guatemala School
Students: 160
Founded: 2006
Location: Cristo Rey Piedra Parada, Guatemala
Mano Amiga Guatemala is a school with Christian values that works for the integral development of children, ages five to eleven, in the village of Cristo Rey Piedra Parada and villages surrounding. It is an institution for underprivileged children whose core objective is academic training, supplemented by effective programs of family and community development.
Bring a Higher Level of Education
Mano Amiga was founded in Mexico to bring a higher level of education that is rich in Catholicism to impoverished areas of the country. Since founding, 22 schools have opened in Mexico alone. Those 22 schools in total provide an education for over 15,000 students and give jobs to 1,200 people. Mano Amiga graduates have gone on to become doctors, lawyers, dentists, business professionals, loving parents and involved members of the community. More than 85% of Mano Amiga students proceed to institutes of higher learning; 83% of graduates are formally employed.
“A teacher affects eternity: he can never tell where his influence stops.” – Henry Adams
Mexico confronts serious problems including poverty, violence, corruption, drug trafficking, and social inequality, most of which are rooted in lack of education and opportunity. Mano Amiga grew in response to these problems. Only quality education can bring long-lasting change to the country. Read about some of the Mano Amiga campuses in Mexico here.
Mano Amiga Acapulco
Students: 765
Founded: 2001
Mano Amiga Acapulco is located in one of the poorest and most violent communities in the country. Parents are desperate for a safe place for their children to learn and grow. Mano Amiga Acapulco is the answer to their prayers.
Mano Amiga Cancun
Students: 875
Founded: 2009
Located just miles away from the beach and the tourist district, Mano Amiga Cancun serves the students and families of the surrounding region. Cancun is the most popular tourist destination in the Caribbean, but many of the local residents grapple with poverty. Mano Amiga provides high quality, Catholic education in a loving, family-like environment.
Mano Amiga Chalco
Students: 949
Founded: 1993
Mano Amiga Chalco was founded in response to a visit from Pope St. John Paul II in 1990. He urged the people to take care of their youth, and the people of Chalco responded. The school was built as 3 preschools, and has now grown to include every grade! Mano Amiga Chalco has matriculated over 10 graduating classes. 70% of the students go on to study in universities and technical schools.
Mano Amiga Conkal
Students: 404
Founded: 2005
Mano Amiga Conkal was founded after Hurricane Isidore hit Mexico in 2005. Mano Amiga is a comprehensive education center where children and young people in need receive the tools necessary to become successful people. Mano Amiga Conkal accomplishes this by meeting the poorest families’ needs and forming them spiritually, intellectually, socially, and on a human level.
Mano Amiga La Cima
Students: 423
Founded: 1991
Mano Amiga La Cima is a fantastic school with lots of beautiful and hardworking students. Several years ago, the school’s fencing was damaged by Hurricane Alex. As a result, the school was exposed to gangs who vandalized it constantly. Your generosity allowed Mano Amiga La Cima to rebuild its focus!
Mano Amiga Monterrey
Students: 950
Founded: 1974
Mano Amiga Monterrey serves students grades Pre-K through high school. Because of limited space, students attend school in shifts: boys in the morning and girls in the afternoon. The average student at Mano Amiga Monterrey has approximately 50% of their tuition covered by scholarships—provided by donors like you!
Mano Amiga Morelia
Students: 620
Founded: 2009
Morelia, one of the richest and most densely populated cities in Mexico, has the highest kidnapping rate in the country. While the government cracks down on cartels and crime, one of the best ways for children and their families to escape these horrible situations is through education. Mano Amiga Morelia is one of the safe havens that helps children and their families escape the cycle of poverty that perpetuates such crime.
Mano Amiga Puebla
Students: 776
Founded: 2006
Our own Deacon Rick Medina got to visit Mano Amiga Puebla in 2013. He was able to give out full-year scholarships, meet a widowed mother of two and hear her story of hope, and learn about other needs at the school. Mano Amiga Puebla has a high percentage of special needs students, whom they are finding creative ways to teach and serve.
Mano Amiga Querétaro
Students: 595
Founded: 2005
In Querétaro, many families are poor and can’t afford to send their children to school. The average student at Querétaro has 64% of their tuition provided by partners, benefactors, and donors like you! Mano Amiga Querétaro serves children in the community as well as their families.
Mano Amiga Santa Catarina
Students: 850
Founded: 1989
CWM Executive Director Deacon Rick Medina got to visit Mano Amiga Santa Catarina in 2013. There, he was greeted by students, faculty, parents, and the greater community. One of the families Deacon Rick got to meet was Javier and his wife, who have 4 children. Two are grown and work as an industrial engineer and psychologist, respectively. The younger two are still in school at MA Santa Catarina. They say going to school here is worth the daily 3-mile-long walk!
Mano Amiga Tapachula
Students: 774
Founded: 2006
Quality education is badly needed in Tapachula. There, about 75% of the population lives in poverty. 18 out of 100 people can’t read or write, and most drop out from school after 7th grade. Thanks to your generosity, 98% of Mano Amiga Tapachula’s students are given scholarships, making it possible for them to beat the odds. Thank you for all you do!
Mano Amiga Tijuana
Students: 192
Founded: 2008
Known as Mexico’s fifth largest metropolitan area, Tijuana remains a major cultural, municipal, and commercial center. The Mano Amiga School lies on the outskirts of this urban hub in a neighborhood familiar with underdevelopment and poverty.
Through the aid of Catholic World Mission, 100 percent of the school’s enrollment are granted scholarships. Because of the steadily increasing population, however, many families are still waiting to be granted enrollment and scholarship to the school.
Mano Amiga Zomeyucan
Students: 511
Founded: 1963
Mano Amiga Zomeyucan was the first Mano Amiga School to be founded by the Legionaries of Christ in 1963. It started with 14 students in preschool whose parents were determined for them to have Catholic education. Today, the school has grown to include over 511 students, and international serves students in nine countries! Mano Amiga Zomeyucan laid the foundation for 22,000 students and it is still expanding thanks to your generosity.
Give Students Skills They Need to Succeed
The Mano Amiga Academy community in the Philippines prides itself on the school’s holistic approach to learning. Combining the imperatives of a developmentally appropriate learning environment, solid curriculum, a strong spiritual formation program and extra-curricular activities, the school has seen great success in educating impoverished children, many from the urban slums of Manila.
Mano Amiga Academy
Students: 220
Founded: 2008
Location: Parañaque, Philippines
For the past 16 years, Mano Amiga Philippines was able to provide more than 2000 scholarships to students coming from underprivileged families. It began when after graduating from College, Lynn Pinugu applied to be a youth volunteer at Mano Amiga Guanajuato in Mexico. Inspired by not only the quality of the school but also the “students’ self-confidence, good communication skills and enthusiastic participation,” Lynn pushed for a location in the Philippines to give Filipino families from low-income communities the chance to have an international and holistic education. Through the aid of Catholic World Mission throughout the years, the number of enrolled students has increased tri-fold from its initial 60 when the school started in 2008.
Celebrating Love, Faith, and Kindness During Mano Amiga’s 15th Anniversary
Philippines – October 2023
On October 4, we came together to commemorate a significant milestone in the journey of Mano Amiga – our 15th anniversary. From a heartfelt Thanksgiving Mass to inspiring panel discussions with our remarkable students, ’15: On A Mission’ was a celebration of love, faith, and kindness.
Our celebration welcomed members of our Board, partners, volunteers, and supporters, whose acts of kindness fortify our mission, extending our reach to students and families. Mano Amiga Ambassadors Sophia Diaz and Clark Dino expressed gratitude and unity, emphasizing community contribution. A panel discussion featuring students Mikaela, Noah, Zach, and Denise highlighted our empowering environment and holistic education approach. The essence of Mano Amiga, rooted in love and passion for community upliftment through education, was echoed in closing remarks by Ms. Lynn Pinugu, our Executive Director, inspiring us to strive for the best and repay kindness with love and faith.
In ’15: On A Mission,’ we celebrated not just 15 years of Mano Amiga but also the countless lives touched, the dreams nurtured, and the love shared within our community. As we look forward to the future, we carry with us the mission to spread love, faith, and kindness to every corner of the world, just as we have done for the past 15 years.
“I hope that Mano Amiga keeps doing what it’s good at, just being a community, a really nice community where you can interact with others and feel no pressure. And I hope Mano keeps developing as a whole.” – Zachary Blaze Carrillo, Grade 9 student
Mano Amiga Scholars Club Formation
Philippines – September 2023
Over the years, Mano Amiga has provided more than 2,000 scholarships to children from low-income communities. As we welcomed both new and current scholars this school year, we hosted a special orientation aptly titled “Ignite” to fuel their passion for learning and reaffirm the value education holds.
We opened a Scholars Club for our upper school students, creating a space for those who have a strong passion for learning and strive for academic excellence. In our first club meeting, members enthusiastically discussed the upcoming club activities, which includes leadership workshops and events that will allow them to meet the generous benefactors. They are genuinely excited about the prospects of personal growth and the chance to express their gratitude while sharing their inspiring journeys with those who have supported them.
Solving Real-world Problems with Education that Goes Beyond
Philippines – April 2023
The Mano Amiga Academy students showcased their problem solving skills to parents and guests during the Open House: Idea Carnival last April 15. Students transformed their classrooms into different booths that showed problems they identified and the process they went through as a class to find solutions for it. Guests were blown away by the inventiveness and eloquence of the students as they shared their journey with their projects.
The Kinder Joy class exhibited that there’s no such thing as “too young” when solving real-world problems. Throughout the school year, they identified and expressed their anxiety with being separated from their parents. With the guidance of their teacher, a solution they came up with was designing and creating their own teddy bears that would help them enjoy school without feeling homesick.
From solutions to personal problems, Grade 6 students then presented their project entitled “Keepin’ It Cool” where they challenged themselves to find the best solution to lower the temperature of their classroom. They explored different solutions such as placing plants on their windowsills and building DIY coolers to solve their problem, working together as a class to resolve an issue they experience together.
Each of the eleven classes tackled real-world problems in applying their Project-Based Learning Outputs. Mano Amiga continues to deliver education that goes beyond what is expected. They showed how they have developed the skills to overcome their personal challenges to come up with creative and innovative solutions to the problems they encounter on a daily basis – inspiring the guests to do the same.
Another Successful School Year!
Guatemala – February 2023
Thanks to your support, the students, teachers, and parents of Mano Amiga Guatemala continue to have another successful school year! See the pictures of dedicated students discovering their talents through drawing, painting, gardening, building science dioramas, solving math equations, and exploring parts of culture. The Mano Amiga Guatemala school sparks such joy, creativity, and passion within the school walls that then translates to self-confidence and stronger family relationships at home. We are inspired by Mano Amiga Guatemala’s expansive curriculum and beautiful incorporation of the Catholic faith!
Shaping Well-Rounded Minds and Caring Hearts
Brazil – 2023
Thanks to your generous support, Mão Amiga Brazil and Catholic World Mission continues our partnership of over 20 years with another year of education, faith, and fellowship for 483 children! Mão Amiga Brazil understands the importance holistic education and focuses on forming well-rounded charitable individuals who are confident academically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.
Through your gifts, Mão Amiga Brazil was able to provide children with new textbooks and lesson plans, furniture for their Chapel, weekly catechesis classes, a youth group club, a vocational fair, a coexistence retreat, a sustainability-focused science fair, an environmental studies program, and professional guidance on physical and mental health care. We are immensely grateful for Mão Amiga’s education that fills young minds with knowledge while also nourishing hearts and souls.
18 Scholarships for Children
Colombia – January 2023
Thank you again for your generous support that has contributed significantly through 18 scholarships for children in Colombia.
Samuel
Samuel
My name is Samuel, and I’m 15 years old and in eighth grade at the Mano Amiga Bello School. I live with my mother, grandmother, and grandfather.
Unfortunately, my brother, who was the eldest, was murdered by criminal gangs in Bello at the age of 16. It is one of the reasons why I want to improve myself professionally and be a source of pride for him, wherever he is.
My mother works as a quality assistant. She is a very hard-working woman, which is why she is the person I admire the most. My grandparents have always been attentive, and they were the ones who picked me up at school when I was younger. They are excellent support for my mother and me.
I like all the spaces at the school, especially the green areas. I want to finish my high school studies here at Mano Amiga because my brother always wanted me to educate myself in this school since this is a healthy and protective environment for children.
The people here are very kind, especially the teacher Alberto who teaches Chemistry and Biology subjects. He has become my favorite teacher. I like Biology subject, but the one that generates the most difficulty for me is the Arts.
In my spare time, I play soccer, I listen to music, and this year I had the opportunity to do the course “Cooking for All” at school in the second school semester. It was an excellent experience, and we learned to work as a team while learning new recipes.
I want to become an excellent Mechanical Engineer to support my mother financially, so she can stop working.
Ana Isabel
Ana Isabel
My name is Ana Isabel, and I am 15 years old and in ninth grade at the Mano Amiga Bello School. I live with my mom and dad in a house near the school; I have an older sister who is not with us.
My mom works as a medical laboratory assistant and is one of the people I love and respect. She gets up to work daily to help with household expenses. My dad works as an electrician but does not have employment and works informally.
I admire the patience and kindness of the Chaplains from Mano Amiga to support us in the situations that each student experiences within their reality. The school is a space full of values, and people work hard to create a better environment daily.
I’m grateful for the education I receive. I hope to prepare myself professionally because, in the future, I want to access more significant economic opportunities and better quality of life to support my family.
Ana Sofía
Ana Sofia
My name is Ana Sofia. I am 9 years old and in fourth grade at Mano Amiga. I live with my mom, dad, an older sister, and two puppies. My mom is a secretary, my dad works painting houses or other places that hired him, and my sister is in fifth grade.
The subject I like the most is Spanish because my teacher is a very good person and I love to read, and I also like Physical Education class. In my spare time, I enjoy playing with my friends from the neighborhood.
Growing up, I want to be a veterinarian because I like animals.
What I like the most about the school are the cheerful classmates and the court to practice sports.
Ana Paulina
Ana Paulina
Hello, my name is Ana Paulina. I have studied at Mano Amiga since Transition, and I love my school very much. I am 9 years old and in grade third. I live with my mother, a housewife, and my father, a worker at Fabricato. I also have an older sister who had to live with an aunt in Medellin to study.
My favorite subject is Spanish, and I love reading stories and learning new words. What I like the most about the school is the soccer field because there is so much space to practice the sports you want. I am very caring and like to be active and happy.
I enjoy playing the flute in my spare time, and I also like karate and all the sports I can play with my friends from the neighborhood.
I want to be a doctor to help people with illnesses and to help my grandmother when I grow up.
Isabella
Isabella
My name is Isabella. I am 11 years old, and I am in the 5th grade. I live with my mother, my father, and my pets, which are two puppies. My mom works in a warehouse, and my dad works as a delivery boy.
What I like most about school is sharing with my classmates and teachers. My favorite subjects are Arts and Physical Education. In my spare time, I used to draw and play with my two pets, Kyara and Dulce.
I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up.
I am a very cheerful, respectful, and kind person with all people.
Creating an Appropriate Environment for Learning
El Salvador – 2022
The Mano Amiga El Salvador location has overcome many obstacles and has brought forth an excellent environment for learning thanks to generous donors.
Thanks to your generosity the school has new laptops!
Classroom Expansion and Other Repairs are Now Complete
Brazil – December 2021
You continue to elevate the education at the Mao Amiga Sao Paulo School in Brazil! Initially, many students needed to share a limited supply of laptops to complete their schoolwork. Thanks to your generosity, we have increased their learning potential by giving these bright students an additional 40 Chromebooks and 2 charging stations. Today more students are dynamically engaging digitally in the classroom.
Along with new ways to connect in the classroom through technology, students can now spend more time comfortably completing homework and building community thanks to the tables, chairs, and benches you provided for their lounge area. The students are very appreciate of the updated lounge and thankful for the technology that will facilitate learning and shape their futures.
TESTIMONIES
Camilly Gabriely
11th grade
“I am one of the students who, at the moment, do not have access to a personal computer. Therefore, the Chromebooks donated by Catholic World Mission have been very useful for my learning at school. Through them, I manage to keep up with all my tasks and academic work, as I can stay at school after school hours and use them in my studies for exams and entrance exams. Computers allow each student to have their privacy guaranteed, as their documents are stored in the cloud, linked to their personal account.”
Maria Eduarda
8th grade
“The chromebooks donated by Catholic World Mission are already being of great use to us high school students at Colégio Mão Amiga. Through them, our classes become more dynamic and full of important digital resources for our learning, they also help us with research, group work and presentations of school work. Computers are also available during off-hours, as not all students have computers in their homes and others need to share them with siblings and family members. I am so grateful to the donors and the College for providing us with something so essential to our learning.”
André Gonçalves
High School Pedagogical Coordinator
“Having a quality physical structure is one of the fundamental requirements for the functioning of a school. In October, we received the donation of several pieces of furniture from Catholic World Mission that now make up the covered patio of the high school building. Looking at the use of these furniture items by our students over the past two months, I could see that they have contributed to student socialization during breaks, to more interactive lessons outside the classroom, as well as to group work. The design of the furniture combined a lot with the architecture of the building, providing a beautiful, harmonious and comfortable space.”
Classroom Expansion and Other Repairs are Now Complete
Brazil – Summer 2020
BEFORE
AFTER
Raising Funds to Help Build an Additional Classroom
Colombia – Spring 2019
Deacon Eric Gilhooly, LC, will soon be ordained to the priesthood! To celebrate this occasion, instead of gifts, Deacon Eric is raising funds to help Mano Amiga Zipaquirá build an additional classroom.
Celebrate Deacon Eric’s vocation and make a long-term impact for the children of Colombia!
CWM’s own visits Mano Amiga Cancun
Mexico – November 2019
Stephanie Quinlan recently visited Mano Amiga Cancun, where she got to meet students, teachers, and administrators.
Deacon Rick Visits Mano Amiga Cancun
Mexico – Spring 2019
Stephanie Quinlan recently visited Mano Amiga Cancun, where she got to meet students, teachers, and administrators.
Second Digital Youth Summit
Philippines – October 2018
Student leaders, social innovators, community developers, and tech enthusiasts from all over the Philippines represented their causes in the second Digital Youth Summit, called #iamDigital. #iamDigital was a three-day workshop with the goal of promoting authenticity, critical thinking, empathy, and helping form youth leaders in effectively promoting digital responsibility and citizenship.
Participants received mentoring and guidance form content creators, social entrepreneurs, and thought leaders through various panel discussions and speaker sessions.
The Summer ended with a celebration as five groups were recognized as outstanding Digital Youth Ambassadors. It is truly inspiring to see how young leaders and community organizers are shaping the digital landscape into a more meaningful place!
Rising Engineers
Argentina – April 2015
The upper school students take a Hardware Workshop in which they learn different technical skills. Companies have donated their old computers to their school for the students to take apart and repair back together. They then give the working computers to families in the community to use. Many families can not afford computers so to receive one that their student has helped repair is quite the blessing and honor.
