Work Study and Elder Care
The work study program and the elder care program work in conjunction to help students cover the costs of education while also providing assistance to elders from the community who are in need. Through these programs, Pocketful of Joy helps students with school expenses and in exchange these students help a community elder for a few hours each week. Students may bring water, wash laundry, assist in cooking or collecting food and maintain the garden and home of an elder in need. In return, Pocketful of Joy provides financial assistance on a sliding scale, based on the needs of each student.
Secondary school expenses include:
- tuition
- test fees
- desks
- uniforms
- school books
- school supplies
The total cost per student is about $200 USD each year.
This program has provided new educational opportunities for students to become a life line for community elders; many of whom are very isolated and living without any support. Unfortunately, secondary school is far too expensive for most students and as primary school class sizes continue to grow, we can anticipate the demand for financial support increasing rapidly in the years to come.
Through this program we:
- help students attend secondary school
- provide care to community elders
- employ one person from the local community to coordinate the program
To date, we have assisted more than 150 students on their educational journey and 75 community elders.
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