Hope Center

Whether it’s a new language, an instrument, or how to read; we are empowered when we learn. Part of our mission states that we desire to restore hope to youths’ lives and to disciple them to become mature and responsible adults and leaders of healthy families. Through a variety of classes, we hope to provide youth with the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe and loving environment.

Library

Did you know that there is a huge correlation between literacy and crime? According to a recent study by an NGO exploring the effects of illiteracy on crime and gang violence in El Salvador, “one of the most effective ways to counteract violence is to improve literacy rates and to engage youth in literature-related activities.” (Read the full report here).

In El Salvador libraries are virtually nonexistent, so we had always dreamed of opening up a small library for our youth. We wanted a place where they would be able to check out beautiful new Spanish language books on a variety of subjects. In 2017 that dream finally became a reality when the Hope Center library opened. The opportunity to check out a book is something that most of out youth had never had before, and now that opportunity is in their hands.

Educational Leveling

In 2015, nearly 40,000 students dropped out of school in El Salvador due to gang violence (source). In addition, many others drop out due to poverty and family crisis; some at a very young age. What is a 17 year old youth who dropped out of school in the 4th grade to do? What are his options?

At Love and Hope Youth Ministry we are committed to helping youth who have dropped out of school have an opportunity to finish their education. Through the Ministry of Education, we offer an educational leveling program that meets youth where they are at academically. Students in the program attend biweekly classes taught by missionary teacher Kirsten Zimmerman where they complete class work that corresponds with their last grade of completion. When students are ready, they then take a proficiency test administered through the Ministry of Education and, upon passing, are awarded a certificate of that grade level.

Music Classes

Perseverance, discipline, creativity, focus, working as a team…these are just some of the life lessons that youth receive while learning to play an instrument. Studies also show that children and youth who study music and learn to play an instrument do better in school and have lower uses of tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs. In the Hope Center, we provide youth with the opportunity to come and learn a variety of instruments such as guitar, bass, keyboard, drums, or electric guitar from our skilled music teacher. The classes are all free and are open to anyone in the community.

English Classes

In El Salvador, the ability to speak English opens many doors of opportunity in the job market. These jobs tend to offer higher pay and better working conditions than many other workplaces. In the Hope Center we offer three different levels of English courses. The classes are all taught by missionary teacher Kirsten Zimmerman and are open to anyone in the community. Each course is only $2, however no youth is ever turned away due to an inability to pay.

Literacy Classes

According to the 2017 census, there are almost 3,000 illiterate youth and adults in Nejapa alone. We want to see every youth in Nejapa functionally literate and the cycles of illiteracy end with this generation. Each week we offer free literacy classes that are open to anyone in the community. Our literacy program is registered and approved through the Ministry of Education and all books and materials are provided free of charge.

Future Programs

In 2018, with the help of a team and a generous donation, we will begin work on a small computer lab in the Hope Center. Our goal is that by early 2019 we will have the lab open and be able to offer basic computer courses.