Education
program overview
We strongly believe that one of the most powerful tools to break the cycle of poverty is education. Through education, doors of opportunity can open that put an end to generations of abuse, violence, and despair. FSM offers education reinforcement programs for children beginning at age three, and continue to help students through high school and into college.
On average we have nearly 200 children enrolled in our education programs.
All of our programs are incentive driven. The children work hard in the programs and homework assignments, and earn points for their efforts. They accumulate points throughout the month for our “store” that is open one day per month, where they shop for candy, toys, games, clothing, hygiene items, and more.
PRESCHOOL
Upon identifying the need for students to be more prepared for kindergarten, FSM opened a preschool program for students beginning at 3 years old. This program focuses on skills needed for school, such as holding pencils properly, using scissors, and basic knowledge of numbers and letters. Children sing songs, have a story time, do an activity or craft, and play together.
FLUENCY
The fluency program helps children build the foundation of reading. Students choose a book from the library in English, Spanish, or both, sit one-on-one with an educator for ten minutes, and work through syllables, the formation of words, and basic sentences. Since the mission opened, the target age of the reading program has dropped from 5th grade to 1st grade, and the library has grown to take up an entire classroom!
MATH
The math program consists of three exercises: timed multiplication tables, math flashcards, and math word problems. Whether students are working independently or with a teacher or tutor, they are lovingly corrected and encouraged to do their best to progress. Math is one of the most common subjects students struggle with, and offering support is one of most helpful ways we can support the community.
ENGLISH
Our English Institute offers classes for beginners, intermediate, and advanced students, both children and adults. Nearly all Costa Rican students study English in the public schools, but that instruction falls woefully short of achieving basic conversational skills. But because of the tourism industry, speaking English greatly improves employment opportunities, and even allows Costa Ricans to work remote customer service jobs for United States companies.
HOMEWORK HELP
One of the most supportive services we offer at the mission is homework help for students of all ages, whether or not they are enrolled in our programs. Many of our students do not have access to reliable homework help from their parents due to the very high rate of illiteracy. Our teachers help students of all ages and grades with homework, especially when they are preparing for exams. Many former students currently enrolled in university admit they wouldn’t have made it to that point without the help they received through the mission.
Special Classes
After an in-depth survey of the community, FSM began to offer specialized classes for adults. These classes vary each season, based on the needs and interests of the community. Previous options include sewing, baking, and computer skills, which teach skills participants can use for personal needs or to start a small business.