RECRUITMENT
The Sisters of Mary Search for the Poorest of the Poor Children
World Villages for Children supports the Sisters of Mary Boystowns and Girlstowns in the Philippines, Mexico, Guatemala, Brazil, Honduras, and Tanzania. At these live-in schools, the Sisters educate and care for more than 20,000 children living in extreme poverty. This support is provided at no cost to their families.
The Sisters begin recruiting boys and girls in July from each country where our Villages are located. They travel to some of the poorest regions, despite the limited infrastructure and potential risks. Their mission ensures they reach the children who need help the most.
To be accepted into the program, boys and girls must pass an entrance exam. This helps determine if they have the educational prerequisites to manage the pace in our schools. They prioritize admitting the poorest of the poor children. This includes those whose families cannot afford food, have had to leave school to work, or are orphaned or abandoned.
Countries
Students
ARRIVAL
The Beginning of a New Life
Children arrive at the Villages in early January for the start of the school year. Many new students are amazed to discover, for the first time, they have their own bed and clothing. This is a new experience for children who have never had personal items. Many also need instruction on using toilets and showers, as their homes lacked running water.
At each Boystown and Girlstown, the Sisters group the children into “families” of about 50. These families share meals and a sleeping area, and a dedicated Mother-Sister care for them.
The Sisters also provide regular medical and dental care to children while at school.
DAILY LIFE
Life at Our Schools
Our Boystowns and Girlstowns provide middle and high school education, and children spend about five years in the program.
They are taught subjects including math, science, social studies, English, Spanish and/or other local languages, religion, music, and art. Our students receive intensive vocational training tailored to local industries and businesses. Boys and girls also participate in several sports while at our schools.
The Sisters offer opportunities for the children to nurture their mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being. They receive faith formation, allowing them to learn and go deeper into their faith. There are counseling and emotional support as well. Many of our students have endured a lot in their young lives. That is why, we provide a safe space for them to share and heal.
Year Program
Graduates
GRADUATION
Life After Our Schools
Graduates of our schools have become teachers, doctors, engineers, lawyers, architects, chemists, government officials, business managers, and more. They return for celebrations, volunteer, hire other graduates in their businesses, and help the Sisters identify families in need.
Many also fund the education of younger siblings and invest in their communities, transforming the lives of their entire family.
LONG-TERM IMPACT
The Exponential Impact of Our Schools
Our Boystowns and Girlstowns empower tens of thousands of children, lifting them from extreme poverty to self-sufficiency. They transition from having little control over their next meal to becoming productive members of society. These children become forces for good within their communities. This model of investing in one child’s future creates an exponential impact on global poverty.
We are so grateful to all of our generous supporters who have made this work possible. Your kindness has transformed the lives of 150,000 children and counting.
