Supporting the pupils of Fe y Alegría School, Peru
Located in the Canto Grande, one of the poorest areas of Lima, the Fe y Alegría School provides education to over 1,442 students, and has been connected with the Edmund Rice Mission for over 20 years.
Edmund Rice Mission developed a programme in the Fe y Alegría School in Peru to provide support and quality education to the students and families. The programme offers after school tuition for children in need, psychological support and counselling to students, a nutrition programme to students, environmental and gardening lessons, and workshops for parents and teachers on social justice and human rights.
Daniel is a fourth year student at Fe y Alegría who received counselling support this past year.
In his own words:
Last year was a year full of challenges for me. I had behavioural problems in the classroom. It was hard for me to focus on the classes. I was constantly late to school and sometimes I would miss class. It was difficult for me to spend time doing homework. I had no interest in my studies. My parents were constantly called to the school to receive criticism about my behaviour. I had lost all motivation to continue striving in my studies and I got to the point of not turning in my assignments. At the end of the year, I had failed two courses and I had to attend summer lessons.
This year, I took part in counselling sessions. In counselling sessions with the secondary psychologist I found someone to listen to me and also someone who challenged me to take responsibility, to learn that my actions have consequences. It was a complicated year but a year of learning too. I participated in group therapy sessions, which made me reflect on my life in different ways: through the life stories of others. Little by little I realised that I was managing my behaviour.
Now I am responsible at school and always turn in the assignments. My behaviour has also improved and I have learned to control my temper. My grades have improved a lot and I am a better student. My parents are happy to see a positive change in me — they are proud of me. I thank the Fe y Alegría Project and especially the psychologist Saúl Velásquez for all he has done for us and for motivating me to move forward.
Daniel’s story is just one of many impacted by this programme at the Fe y Alegría School. We thank Misean Cara for supporting this three-year project.
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