The ladder

Our education plan has received a name: l’echelle; the ladder; symbolic for the students who have a chance to climb out of poverty. We have met all the lucky ones and they are very happy. The students have been chosen based on their school results, their attitude towards learning and their family situation.
Two girls and one boy can go to school next school year and tuition, school uniform and school supplies will be paid for with your donations.
Elysée is an 8 year old girl; both her parents have passed away from aids. She herself is HIV positive. She and her little brother are now being raised by their grandmother, who does not have any income.
The second girl is Dope; she is also 8 years old. Her father passed away and her family is very poor. Her mother tries to make some money by selling talc powder on the street.
Samuel is also 8 years old and his father has died of aids. He is the youngest of 9 children and his mother is a home maker.
We have given each student a symbolic package with school supplies and a book donated by you for the kids and they were all smiles. They hardly ever receive anything especially for them.
One girl and one boy will receive funds for a vocational training of three years to become a tailor. Djewuda is a 17 year old girl and she has already started her vocational training; she has passed the initial months very well, but her family is unable to pay for her training. Her father has died of aids and her HIV positive mother tries to make ends meet for the family of 8 children and herself. Gregoire is 19 and very smart. His father has also died of AIDS and his family is also very poor. He had started his training, but had to stop since there was no money to pay for an education. The money for the vocational students also includes nutritional aid. In addition for payment for the 3 year training, your money will help pay for a sewing machine, since they need one in order to start their own business after graduation.