Children International survey shows teens leave Youth Program with more education and real job skills

 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tatiana Zamora Crespogives Children International and its Youth Program of 135, 000 teens an “A” for giving her HOPE for a brighter future.

 

The 20-year-old from Ecuador always wanted to study languages and travel the world, but with five siblings and a monthly family income of $200 – reality nearly crushed her dreams. As Tatiana graduated from high school, Children International’s HOPE Scholarship, Helping Overcome Poverty through Education, paid for her first year of college. Now, Tatiana continues to study and works as an English teacher but attributes Children International with helping fulfill her dreams of an education.

“This kind of scholarship helps and encourages youth to continue [their] education,” said Tatiana.

In a survey of 7,785 youth, like Tatiana, who graduated from the Children International Youth  Program, the vast majority felt sponsorship helped prepare them to create positive change in their communities.

 

·        62 percent of the graduates surveyed stayed in school longer due to Children International.

·        57 percent of the graduates surveyed left the program with life skills.

·        66 percent of the graduates surveyed were motivated to reach their goals.

·        Over half of the graduates surveyed found they solved problems in their community.

James R. Cook, president and CEO of Children International, says, “We are so proud of all our youth who show such determination and promise as they enter adulthood. They show such courage as they overcome each hurdle that poverty places in their path. Thanks to our donors, they are changing children’s lives and making the world a better place one child at a time.”

 

If you would like to see the results from the youth survey, please visit Youth Report Card 2009.

If you would like to learn more about our Youth Programs, visit Children International Youth Programs.

 

Children International’s Youth Programs have more than 135,000 members around the world. The Youth Programs provide teens from 12 to 19 years of age a positive environment in which to grow. The programs also provide youth a safe place to gather with their friends, as well as constructive activities to empower them to become leaders in their communities. Members democratically elect a youth council with the intention of solving social, cultural and economic problems. 

 

Established in 1936, Children International is a nonprofit organization with its headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri. Children International’s programs benefit over 300,000 poor children and their families in 11 countries around the world, including Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Mexico, the Philippines, Zambia and the United States. If you would like to sponsor a youth, visit www.children.org today.

 

###

Dolores Quinn Kitchin
Public Relations
Children International
Direct: (816) 943-3730
Cell:  (816) 718-0711

Back to top | Back to home page