School the World

The objective of School the World's Successful Return to School / Tutoring Program in 2023 was to continue to mitigate the learning loss caused by multi-year pandemic school closures. When students returned to school in 2022, the learning loss was extensive. 6th graders not understanding a simple text or being able to add two numbers together, 4th graders not able to identify numbers, and so on. Over two years, School the World hired, trained and supervised 78 Teacher Aides to tutor over 4,700 students with 65 schools in Guatemala, Honduras and Panama. Students were evaluated and grouped according to learning level, provided with 4 hours of small group tutoring in reading and math per week, and re-evaluated every two weeks to be re-grouped according to improved learning levels. The results indicate significant improvements in learning levels and students achieving functional literacy levels. Program expenses related to tutoring are recognized within School Resources and Student Support.

School the World's construction and infrastructure commitments are a key component of the organization's strategic partnerships with local governments and communities in Guatemala, Honduras and Panama. Local government officials typically fund 50% of the construction costs with School the World (individual donors, foundations, service program) funding the remaining 50%. The local community provides the land to build classrooms, playgrounds, bathrooms and/or handwashing stations as well as donates labor to assist in the construction. School the World built 13 schools and 7 playgrounds in 2023 - totaling 131 schools and 68 playgrounds in Guatemala, Honduras and Panama since inception.

School the World's Middle School Programs focus on providing the support and resources for students to continue their education past the sixth grade. The Scholarship Program focuses on 7th, 8th, and 9th grade and support is provided to students who would not otherwise be able to attend a proper middle school due to the financial requirements such as enrollment fees, uniform and school materials purchases, and transportation costs. Partial and semi-full scholarships are granted based on each student's need, incorporating support from the student's family as well. The Alternative Education Program offers another way for students to continue their education when they cannot attend a traditional middle school five days per week. This route focuses on independent study as well as in-person sessions in the evenings and over the weekend, allowing students to work and generate an income. In 2023, School the World awarded 411 scholarships and supported 632 alternative learning students in Guatemala. Both of these programs launched in Honduras in 2023 and supported 54 scholarship recipients and 141 alternative learning students. Program expenses related to middle school are recognized within School Resources and Student Support.

Additional Programmatic Expenditures for School The World include resources for development and implementation of our Scholarship & Alternative Learning Program, Early Childhood Program, Pilot Tablet Program and all other expenditures directly related to our program services within Guatemala, Honduras and Northern Panama.