We received this Thank you message from Chalice and wanted to pass it on.
I hope that you are keeping well during this difficult time.
Back in February of 2017 you made a very generous donation of $30,000 (you had received a bequest and it was to be directed to help children in third world countries) in support Phase II of the Hope for My Future Project in Bolivia. In March of 2012, Chalice Latin America and the Banco Mercantil Santa Cruz signed a cooperative Agreement to develop and promote activities in the field of post-secondary education. The “Hope for My future Project” (HFF) was designed to provide University access to capable students in the Chalice sponsorship program, who otherwise would not have the financial means to cover the cost of post- secondary education. The Bank provided individual scholarships, covering a 30 month degree program in Management and Entrepreneurship at the Catholic University of La Paz, Bolivia. Chalice provided funding to cover the costs of food, travel, housing and other expenses for each student (parents provided a portion of these funds depending on their means).
Following a successful pilot programme in 2012, the first phase of HFF began in 2013.There were some growing pains with phase one, resulting in changes to what assistance and supervision Chalice provided for the students, but overall the project was very successful. The Bank rated Chalice as its best partner with 92% of our students completing their studies as compared to a 65% rate with similar projects with their other partners. Both BMSC and the University commended the quality of each one of our students, noting they were completely devoted to their studies and highlighted the support that Chalice provided to each of them. Both institutions promoted the Hope for My Future project as a model to replicate in other partner organizations.
Based on the success of the initial phase and having put in place some needed changes, a second phase began in January of 2016 and students have continued to enter the program each year with the last group of two entering the 30 month program at the start of 2020. To-date some 66 students have completed the degree program with another nine in the process of completing.
Attached is a report from our Region Office Co-ordinator in La Paz, Bolivia. The report gives some background, and information on the most recent generation of students to complete the program as well as those currently studying. A current status report on each of the 66 individuals who have completed the program since it started, is provided on pages 10 through 17. A number of the graduates have gone on to do further studies – some with scholarships students, while other are working or have started their own business. Some have struggled to find and/or retain employment, especially in the current environment as would be the same anywhere.
Overall the program has been successful, providing these individuals with an education, and opportunities that they could never have realized without this program. The graduates and their families are grateful for the help that Chalice has provided though this program.
While Chalice will complete its involvement after the current students have completed their studies, the Banco Mercantil Santa Cruzhas plans to continue with the program in cooperation with the University. .
On behalf of Chalice I want to thank you for your generous support provided for Phase II of this program which has greatly benefitted these young men and women and their families.
God bless you and all your parishioners and their families.
Dave
Dave MacKinnon | Donor Relations
Chalice (Canada) |1-800-776-6855 ext 205
www.Chalice.ca
