Socorro School "On the Move"

Scholarship Program News

In August and September of 2005 an official from the Chihuahua Department of Education met with Rich and Ruben Holguin, the school principal, to try and discover how an extremely poor colonia on the very outer fringes of Ciudad Juarez could have such a fine school.  He was so impressed with what he heard and saw that he committed funds to improve and expand the facilities.

The school now has two new buildings, significantly larger than those previously constructed.  There is a new chain link fence surrounding the campus.  One of the older buildings is being converted to a computer lab.  Another one is being converted to be a caretaker's house so that the campus has security.  A grader was brought in to level the field on the northwest side creating a soccer field for the colonia and for the school.  A gate will be added to the fence on that side so that the children at the school have access to the field.

On December 4, Roger and Rich traveled to Juarez and met with Felipe, Pastor Luis, and the scholarship recipients.  Both pastors are keeping meticulous accounting records.  Rich only parcels out a chunk of money at a time, and the pastors only give the children enough to get them through the week.  The pastors ;will make copies of the semester report cards.  As a result of the visit, we are now able to give scholarship donors facts and in most cases a picture of their scholarship recipient.

The pastors have asked for a list of the scholarship donors so they may be added to their prayer list.  Donors are encouraged to pray for their student particularly that they continue their determination to further their education.  One of the biggest problems is financial, because a child in school is not a wage earner for the family.

Pastor Luis is planning a tent revival in May and June.  It will be spread over 4 weeks (Wed. - Sun. each week) with each week being in a different corner of the community.  They need a tent (20 meters by 20 meters).  He is very excited about this evangelism effort.  He said that of the 400+ families in the community, less than 100 attend a church.

Felipe is very excited about the computer lab and the library that are being constructed at the Family Center.  Used computers are needed at the school and at the Family Center.  They are looking for used sewing machines to set up a sewing center so that the women can make clothes and other things.

Thank you for your donations.  As of January, 2006, we have raised $3,700 and are currently sponsoring 3 students from the Family Center, 1 current, and 15 graduates of Socorro.

As of January, 2007, a total of $6,190 was received for scholarships, with additional funds on the way.  37-38 kids are now being supported through this program.

Desert Surrounding the School

Entrance to Original School Area

     Original School, 2002

School Area, December 2005

School Area with Expanded Buildings, December, 2005