Contact usEducation for the Children Foundation11 Clarendon Street Nottingham NG1 5HR

Telephone +44 (0)115 9584876

Email enquirieseftcorguk

Newsletter 2014 1

Sponsor a child today

wwweftcorguk

Find us online

About usOur mission is to break the cycle of poverty through education empowerment and enterprise at the heart of the community

567 children and young adults study at our School of Hope in Guatemala We work in partnership with these children and their families to open doors for future generations

Empowering Children to Reach Their Potential

Registered Charity 1099280

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Word from the ChairmanLooking ForwardYour Foundation continues to grow and improve the scope and scale of its work in Guatemala

Every 6 months I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for making this possible and I do so again today As our community grows so grows the responsibility For some time I have been struggling to cope with the combined workload of EFTC and my job

It was obvious that if EFTC was to continue to progress it needed a fulltime Chief Executive I passionately believed that this role must belong to an ldquoinsiderrdquo one of us and I am thrilled that John Niland has agreed to become our CEO John has been a class sponsor and huge supporter for 5 years and he understands the ldquoheartbeatrdquo of EFTC His energy and passion will take us to the next level I am delighted to be staying on board as Chairman

EFTC started in 2003 and its roots can be traced back to 1997 when an exceptional young girl started to discover her social conscience It can be comforting and self-serving to dwell on the past This will not be the case with EFTC We look to the future and the children we are privileged to serve With John we are in fantastic hands

- David McKee

Points of ContactNellySponsorship Coordinator Nellyeftcorguk

MaryFlorenceVisits and Volunteer CoordinatorMaryFlorenceeftcorguk

CarolUK Office Manager Caroleftcorguk

BooEvents and Community Coordinator Booeftcorguk

THANK YOU

We have been delighted to receive significant contributions over the past six months from

St Jamesrsquos Place FoundationCastlegate LLP - HD Decisions

Pyramidion - Ian SwindaleNewbury ConsultingSt Alphege Seasalter

Z Hotels - DF ConcertsHSBC - Festaff

Guatemalan Childrenrsquos Initiative

+44 (0)115 9584876enquirieseftcorguk

RachaelCommunications OfficerRachaeleftcorguk

NewsStaff changes - Sponsorship Coordinator Sponsors will now receive up-to-date information on their studentsrsquo progress direct from the school Nelly Sequen has joined the EFTC team in Guatemala in the position of Sponsorship Coordinator Social Media- EFTCrsquos New VoiceNow you can hear more firsthand stories from The School of Hope community on our new blog

wwweftcorgukblog

- Cindy and WilderA huge thank you to everyone who helped us to share Cindy and Wilderrsquos video We hope that Cindyrsquos story will encourage more people to sponsor a child with EFTC by the end of 2014 no child should be without a sponsor

Find EFTC on Facebook Twitter YouTube and visit

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no gradients

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stacked logo (for sharing only)

standard

no gradients

watermark

stacked logo (for sharing only)

white

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would enroll him into a school She remembered the Foundation and came to us for help

Back at the orphanage David is led out to meet us and shyly greets Aracely and I As we start to talk about the project his eyes light up Yes he remembers Miss AzucenaYes he remembers the big yellow school We tell him wersquove built another school now Itrsquos bigger and more beautiful and itrsquos safe Some of his classmates are still there and some of his old teachers And Samuel has already started there

ldquoI want to gordquo He tells the social worker

We know it wonrsquot be an easy ride for Samuel and David They havenrsquot had a childhood not really Theyrsquove had more tragedy in their lives than most of us can ever imagine Theyrsquoll have aggression and behaviour problems they may even drop out of school

Whilst the Foundation dreams of academic success and helping them build a brighter future they dream about safety and adults they could learn to trust Welsquoll never forget that the simple things are what really matter to the children

Therersquos a long and uncertain road ahead for Samuel and David but we will be the routine support and stability that they so desperately need

- Amy Holly

David was put under the care of his grandmother on March 12th 2014

and started at school the same week David needs a sponsor

On the Ground in GuatemalaA long and uncertain road

We follow the road as it winds up through the pine-covered hills The air is cold here Wersquore not sure if we took the right turning- there are no signs here Then we see the 20 foot high concrete walls topped with barbed wire We park up at the huge metal gates sign in and wait in the reception area

We are in one of Guatemalarsquos state-run orphanages waiting to see David

David is 13 He is waiting for a judge to decide whether he should continue to live there or if he should move to Jocotenango with his grandmother and come to school at the Foundation

In 2008 David and his little brother Samuel were our students One morning their mother a local gang member held up a liquor truck at gun point and was shot dead The boys saw everything Their world was thrown into chaos whilst family feuds broke out over who would take care of them The family decided the boys would stay with an aunt in another part of the country and we sadly said goodbye hoping at least that they would be out of danger there

5 years later 10 year old Samuel and his grandmother walked through the school doors again

The grandmother told us that in 2013 the boys were taken away from their aunt and put into the orphanage following reports of abuse In January this year Samuel escaped and found his way back to Jocotenango barefoot and without a penny to his name

The grandmother was granted custody of Samuel on the agreement that she

Physical Education Teacher

ldquoThe best part of my job is having fun with the children and making them laugh itrsquos really satisfying to

make them happyrdquo

Ronaldo was hired in 2011 to teach sports at EFTCrsquos school

Hersquos a valued member of the teaching team and works incredibly hard to provide fun classes to all of the children at The School of Hope Students often tell us that PE is

their favourite class and they have great fun playing the games Profe Ronaldo has taught them in the

courtyard at breaktimes

English Teacher - 2nd Grade Primary

ldquoIn almost two years Irsquove seen big changes and improvements in organisation communication safety and professionalism at the school I hope the Foundation lasts forever because so many

people need itrdquo

Sara began working at The School of Hope in 2012 - the year before EFTC first launched

itrsquos bilingual program Shersquos a committed and hardworking teacher who delivers fun and

interactive lessons to her secondary school students

The School of Hope Staff

David and Samuelrsquos story isnrsquot typical of our children but a life of uncertainty tainted with abuse violence or neglect is

names changed in order to protect the identities of the vulnerable children we work with

Sara

Ronaldo

Itrsquos never easy for a young boy or girl to cross the bridge from school to work

It takes more than good grades it takes determination and tenacity to find that first work opportunity It certainly takes courage

If you grow up in the huts of the Vista Hermosa cliff-side the forces of discouragement are considerable Your parents donrsquot have the experience to guide you Yoursquove never been inside a cafeacute a hotel or an air-conditioned building Even going for interview is a huge expense

For all of these reasons empowerment has to be the cornerstone of EFTCrsquos future developments As we work with children with families and with the wider community in Jocotenango the Foundationrsquos aim is to grow their ldquocapacity to actrdquo ndash not just to build more dependence on us

We have spent the past few months studying this in detail To learn from other organisations EFTC has engaged the help of many people such as Active Communities in London and Helen Qubain in Washington Most importantly we have sought the views of our own staff who work day to day with these challenges

As a result EFTC is pushing forward

Empowering Opportunity

Can You Help

with three initiatives

Education Particularly raising standards in English IT and improving the interpersonal skills of students This is why EFTC exists in the first place

Community A range of initiatives such as youth-mentoring to encourage families via the experience of others in their own community who have braved similar challenges For example when Cindy says ldquoYou can succeed no matter what is happening around yourdquo she is speaking from personal experience this carries a lot of weight

Enterprise Fostering a spirit of independence and ldquocan dordquo amongst our families Giving them the tools they need to lift themselves out of poverty providing sustainable support and reducing dependency on the Foundation See below

Since our last newsletter one of our first students has started sponsoring a child This is a landmark achievement proof that we can break the cycle of poverty if we donrsquot shy away from long-term sustainable solutions People can learn develop and contribute ndash when given the opportunity to do so

Just as it took great courage for David and Sophie to make the commitment to start the Foundation we must now challenge ourselves to develop the wrap-around services that will make the most of their legacy Furthermore we have to do so in a way that empowers people ndash not that makes them dependent

For example we are explaining to new families how EFTC can work with them rather than for them We give them options and we ask them to choose This is empowerment in action

Empowerment is not an easy challenge and there are plenty of pitfalls We wonrsquot always get it right So if you can support us whether with experience finance or just by visiting us and encouraging families we would love to hear from you

- John Niland (CEO)

The future of EFTC

EFTC Enterprise is a company which is being created to meet several objectives First to give some of our students real experience in a business environment and to encourage micro-entrepreneurship Second to tackle the challenge of EFTCs long-term funding by generating some revenue as opposed to relying on donations Following a successful pilot selling local coffee to Wells Fargo in the US we are now approaching ten companies in the San Francisco Bay area explaining our empowerment aspirations and local value-creation Initial response has been very encouraging and we hope to have real news for you in our next issue We are currently seeking to raise $160K to support this objective We are happy to discuss donations loans or investmentshellip this is business after all But itrsquos business with a heart our aim is to ldquodo goodrdquo as much as to ldquodo wellrdquo

If you are interested to know more I would be very happy to talk to you - Johneftcorguk

Itrsquos never easy for a young boy or girl to cross the bridge from school to work

It takes more than good grades it takes determination and tenacity to find that first work opportunity It certainly takes courage

If you grow up in the huts of the Vista Hermosa cliff-side the forces of discouragement are considerable Your parents donrsquot have the experience to guide you Yoursquove never been inside a cafeacute a hotel or an air-conditioned building Even going for interview is a huge expense

For all of these reasons empowerment has to be the cornerstone of EFTCrsquos future developments As we work with children with families and with the wider community in Jocotenango the Foundationrsquos aim is to grow their ldquocapacity to actrdquo ndash not just to build more dependence on us

We have spent the past few months studying this in detail To learn from other organisations EFTC has engaged the help of many people such as Active Communities in London and Helen Qubain in Washington Most importantly we have sought the views of our own staff who work day to day with these challenges

As a result EFTC is pushing forward

Empowering Opportunity

Can You Help

with three initiatives

Education Particularly raising standards in English IT and improving the interpersonal skills of students This is why EFTC exists in the first place

Community A range of initiatives such as youth-mentoring to encourage families via the experience of others in their own community who have braved similar challenges For example when Cindy says ldquoYou can succeed no matter what is happening around yourdquo she is speaking from personal experience this carries a lot of weight

Enterprise Fostering a spirit of independence and ldquocan dordquo amongst our families Giving them the tools they need to lift themselves out of poverty providing sustainable support and reducing dependency on the Foundation See below

Since our last newsletter one of our first students has started sponsoring a child This is a landmark achievement proof that we can break the cycle of poverty if we donrsquot shy away from long-term sustainable solutions People can learn develop and contribute ndash when given the opportunity to do so

Just as it took great courage for David and Sophie to make the commitment to start the Foundation we must now challenge ourselves to develop the wrap-around services that will make the most of their legacy Furthermore we have to do so in a way that empowers people ndash not that makes them dependent

For example we are explaining to new families how EFTC can work with them rather than for them We give them options and we ask them to choose This is empowerment in action

Empowerment is not an easy challenge and there are plenty of pitfalls We wonrsquot always get it right So if you can support us whether with experience finance or just by visiting us and encouraging families we would love to hear from you

- John Niland (CEO)

The future of EFTC

EFTC Enterprise is a company which is being created to meet several objectives First to give some of our students real experience in a business environment and to encourage micro-entrepreneurship Second to tackle the challenge of EFTCs long-term funding by generating some revenue as opposed to relying on donations Following a successful pilot selling local coffee to Wells Fargo in the US we are now approaching ten companies in the San Francisco Bay area explaining our empowerment aspirations and local value-creation Initial response has been very encouraging and we hope to have real news for you in our next issue We are currently seeking to raise $160K to support this objective We are happy to discuss donations loans or investmentshellip this is business after all But itrsquos business with a heart our aim is to ldquodo goodrdquo as much as to ldquodo wellrdquo

If you are interested to know more I would be very happy to talk to you - Johneftcorguk

More Sponsors Urgently Needed

Can You Help

IrmaI work in a travel agency We sell trips to different places in Guatemala and outside of Guatemala Itrsquos really great because I get to practice and learn English and itrsquos fun working here Irsquom studying Business Administration in Landivar University on Saturdays and I work here full time Sunday to Friday The English classes at the Foundation helped me so much

Irmarsquos mother never had the opportunity to go to school and she wanted to give her daughter the best possible start in life In 2005 Irma started studying with EFTC

Irma proved herself to be a hard-working and responsible student at EFTCrsquos School of Hope and at college In 2013 Irma received one-on-one English tuition and she made fantastic progress

When a local travel agency had an opening Irma applied and was invited to interview After impressing them with her level of English and professional attitude she got the job Irma will now be able to help her family and begin to build a career for herself

CarlosThis year Irsquom studying at INTECAP on a Chef course Irsquom really dedicated to it and I know when I finish this year I will be able to get a job as a chef which is my dream Irsquom going to help the Foundation to prepare food for an event here this month to raise money so that I can put what Irsquove learned at college into practice

Carlos was awarded the Ana Maria del Cid award at his graduation ceremony in 2013

He hasnrsquot always had the highest grades in his class nor has Carlos always had the best behaviour However staff at The School of Hope chose Carlos for the award for persevering and making it through against all odds

It was a very emotional moment for all of the staff and classmates who know what he has been through Everyone is so proud of the choices Carlos has made and we know that he can acheive anything he puts his mind to

Read Carlosrsquos story at wwweftcorgukcarlos

ldquo

rdquo

Over 8 years Irma and her sponsor have

exchanged many letters Hersquos been a mentor to Irma and shersquos

incredibly grateful for his support

YOU can open doors to another hopeful child please see

the back of this newsletter and become a sponsor today

Sponsoreftcorguk

rdquo

ldquo

EFTC Enterprise is a company which is being created to meet several objectives First to give some of our students real experience in a business environment and to encourage micro-entrepreneurship Second to tackle the challenge of EFTCs long-term funding by generating some revenue as opposed to relying on donations Following a successful pilot selling local coffee to Wells Fargo in the US we are now approaching ten companies in the San Francisco Bay area explaining our empowerment aspirations and local value-creation Initial response has been very encouraging and we hope to have real news for you in our next issue We are currently seeking to raise $160K to support this objective We are happy to discuss donations loans or investmentshellip this is business after all But itrsquos business with a heart our aim is to ldquodo goodrdquo as much as to ldquodo wellrdquo

If you are interested to know more I would be very happy to talk to you - Johneftcorguk

Volunteers amp Fundraisers

Visit us in GuatemalaWe encourage everyone to visit EFTCrsquos School of Hope and see firsthand the difference we are making together

Whether yoursquore thinking of visiting the child you sponsor or are looking for a meaningful way to spend your free time visiting the school in Guatemala can be life-changing There are a wide range of activities to get involved in and we work hard to ensure you get the most out of your trip

Our dedicated Volunteer and Visits Coordinator MaryFlorence is happy to provide recommendations for accommodation and Spanish classes suggest extra activites and arrange for someone to meet you at the airport in Guatemala when you arrive

Any questions about volunteering with EFTC Visit wwweftcorgukvolunteer

Email MaryFlorenceeftcorguk

Sponsor Visitor Volunteer FundraiserSupporters all around the world

are now forming

EFTC Meet-Up GroupsGet in touch and connect with the community in your area

communityeftcorguk

EFTC Community Events

Sponsor a Childand help them take that first step to a brighter futureBy making a small monthly donation you can provide hope to a child

in desperate need of education food and healthcare

Contact us and get involved EFTC holds a number of events throughout the year and we would love for more of you to get involved Help us raise much needed funds for the children at The School of Hope and share in the good times

EFTCrsquos Annual Golf Day Friday 30th May

Pedal Paddle Peak Challenge Sat 25th amp Sun 26th October

Graduations in Guatemala Tues 28th amp Weds 29th October

Annual UK Ball Nottingham Saturday 11th October

More details on all of the above events and challenges are available on our website wwweftcorguk Alternatively please email eventseftcorguk or call the UK office on 0115 958 4876 where we will be happy to answer any questions you might have

SAVE THE

DATE

SPONSOR A CHILDrsquoS

Every Need pound35 A MONTH

Option 3

SUPPORT A CHILDrsquoS

Nutrition pound10 A MONTH

Option 1SUPPORT A CHILDrsquoS

Education pound25 A MONTH

Option 2

REGISTER NOW

Visit wwweftcorguksponsorCall the UK office 0115 958 4976

Email Sponsoreftcorguk

Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo CMYK eps Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo CMYK eps

Do You Remember Cindy and WilderBy the end of 2014 we donrsquot want any child in our school to be without a sponsor Itrsquos an ambitious target but itrsquos possible if we all work together

Without a sponsor Cindy would never have been able to study at junior school high school and college

Sponsorship empowered Cindy to make the positive choices she has made in life and she can now offer support to another child in her local community

Letrsquos inspire more people to become a sponsor with EFTC and open doors for future generations

EFTCrsquos Triathlon with a difference

October 2014

Join us in Guatemala on the challenge of a lifetime

Friday 30th May 2014

Golf Day

Tee off with EFTC and Friends

wwweftcorgukgolf-day-uk

Contact +44 (0)115 9584876 or email eventseftcorguk

wwweftcorgukpedal-paddle-peak

Pedal Paddle Peak