Education

GDC TIJUANA SCHOOL PROGRAM

Grades Kindergarten to University

The Grace of Calvary Tijuana School Program started in 2007 when Cindy saw the challenges families faced in providing essential items like backpacks & supplies, school uniforms, and leather school shoes for their children. These items are required for a child to attend school. The first year we provided 25 kids with backpacks and supplies. The program expanded rapidly, and as of 2024, over 250 backpacks are distributed annually to children in our program. Additionally, 100 students receive uniforms and shoes.

We currently have 8 high school students receiving assistance with their mandatory fees (as high school isn't free), and 6 students are assisted with their college tuition. When the school program began in 2007, the average family goal was for students to finish 9th grade and enter the factory workforce. However, students were often dropping out after 6th grade due to parents undervaluing education.

Now, we are witnessing our students not only graduating from high school with outstanding grades but also enrolling in universities or Bible college! This positive shift is transforming the culture of east Tijuana! Although testing into government universities is very challenging and some schools are located far away, we have several students enrolled in private universities with tuition under $200 per month. These students are supported by our donors who recognize the importance of higher education for this marginalized community.

HOW MUCH MORE COULD WE DO WITH YOUR HELP? WOULD YOU CONSIDER HELPING OUR STUDENTS GRADUATE FROM HIGH SCHOOL & UNIVERSITY?

MI ESCUELITA TUTORING CLUBS

Three days a week, we provide free tutoring at two locations for children who are lagging behind in their studies or have not been attending school. Various reasons prevent some children from attending school, such as the lack of a birth certificate or parents facing homelessness and unable to care for their kids properly. Our tutoring centers use high school students as tutors following approved educational materials. The children undergo testing twice a semester, and those who reach their grade level are encouraged to leave the program to accommodate other students on the waiting list.

For those who cannot attend school, we focus on teaching reading, writing, and math. If they show dedication, we explore opportunities for them to attend private schools for further education. The children receive snacks, physical activity, educational supplies, a weekly Bible lesson, and a nurturing environment all free of charge.

STORY CLUBS

Once per week at our tutoring clubs we teach Bible stories to the children in a fun and interactive way. The children hear the story and then learn how to tell it back to the leader in a way that they can also share with their families and neighbors. Faith & Fun go hand in hand and the Bible comes alive for these kids! Most of these children do not attend a church and this is their only exposure to the Bible and prayer.

SCHOOL OF MINISTRY

Grace of Calvary offers a two-year School of Ministry aimed at educating adults and senior high students in the fundamentals of the faith and equipping them for service in the church. Participants are trained in preparing short devotionals and leading Bible studies. Classes are held every Sunday afternoon, with approximately 20 students enrolled in the 2023-2024 session. The objective is to instruct them how to REACH others for Jesus Christ, EQUIP them for ministry, and SEND them to serve wherever God leads. Additionally, the men from Grace of Calvary are part of a VERSE BY VERSE course, where they receive training in how to prepare a sermon.

WORSHIP/MUSIC CLASSES

In 2024, the Grace of Calvary School of Worship began with nearly 20 students eager to learn singing and musical instrument skills. The vision is to create multiple worship teams to lead during church services. The enthusiasm these individuals have for worshiping God through music and song is truly inspiring!