A Month of Thanks: Day 7 – Mobile Phones

Technology is amazing.

Who would have thought – just a few short years ago – that we would be meeting with people all around the world through video conferencing? Wow!

When you put the appropriate technology in the hands of change agents – it is a portal to a new life. That is exactly what we are doing with our Accompanying Adolescents Program. The Accompanying Adolescents Program, works with the siblings of children who were previously enrolled in the Ines Program – adolescents at great risk of high school dropout.

For many of the young people in the program, life is filled with the normal adolescent daily struggles of finding your place in the world . . . but their challenges are compounded by living in the experience of extreme poverty and having a sibling who lives with a chronic medical condition or disability.

The program, facilitated through web-based video meetings – is administered by a licensed adolescent psychologist and includes life planning workshops, career guidance and dropout prevention. The groups meet weekly over a 6-month period with separate one-on-one sessions available as adolescents desire.

Under the direction of Lic. Barbara Salas Achahuanco the program creates a virtual safety-net for extremely vulnerable young adults. Through mentoring and life skills development, adolescents are provided a meaningful relationship to help them navigate the challenges of early adulthood and the struggles of living in the experience of extreme poverty.

Through your support, we have purchased mobile phones for the program participants. This is a true lifeline for many of the young people enrolled in the program. It is their pathway to a new life. For a little under $8 per person, per month – the program helps build resilience through meaningful connection and peer support. The program helps to build futures.

We are so thankful for mobile phones and the ability they provide to change the lives of adolescents living in extreme poverty.