May this new year bring happiness and success to you, your family, and friends.
After a great year, we are so proud to welcome a new year full of enthusiasm and positivity.
Last year, we were able to help a large number of promising students to advance in their chosen fields.
This year, we look forward to working with our amazing students on new and exciting opportunities.
The new year marks a time of self-reflection and an opportunity for change. We take stock of the previous year, looking at past mistakes in hopes of avoiding a repeat of those pitfalls.
We also use this time to acknowledge the things that went well personal and professional victories, improvements in our relationships with others, or meeting challenges and achieving goals. At KKIS, we’re committed to continuing our quest of ensuring that promising students realize their dreams of graduating (Over 35 students will graduate high school in the spring of 2023 in the Riviera Maya).
A high school diploma will prepare them to be successful after graduation, whether in university, the workforce, or technical training programs. We are excited to offer opportunities to make sure all students graduate prepared for a bright future.
But isn’t that easy… While over 90% of children in Mexico attend primary school, only 62% attend secondary school. Only 45% finish secondary school. The Mexican education system has had its share of struggles.
Urban public schools are better, but the quality of education is still relatively low. Private schools grant a high quality of bilingual education that is usually well suited to expat children; but can be expensive.
Why is there a lack of good public education in Mexico?
Poverty and wealth inequality are huge challenges in Mexico.
Mexico has one of the lowest rates of school enrollment among 15 to 19-year-olds, possibly because poverty drives them to find jobs rather than complete their education. Mexico has historically had high drop-out rates as poor families pull kids out of school to help put food on the table, children often sell candy and crafts in the streets or work in restaurants to contribute to the family.
Children don’t go to school simply because they can’t afford it.
But let’s change that!
We want people to believe in our students, for example our student Armando understands that KKIS has 100 students just like him who all need financial assistance. He is grateful to be a KKIS scholar.
Kids like Armando don’t have the luxury of slowing things down because life is coming at them at the speed of many adults. It’s common to have a job and other family responsibilities that their household relies on them every day to perform. By gifting kids like Armando, a scholarship, education remains a priority and gives kids a second to breathe and slow things down in their future by giving them hope.
” I am one of the lucky ones. I will graduate in the spring of 2023 and then start university in the fall with my major being criminal law. When you refuse to give up, opportunity and luck work together to make dreams come true.” – Said Armando
“This semester I am going to an amazing architecture university thanks to my parents and to the
donors from KKIS.” – Said Lety (KKIS’s student) – (See Lety’s video here)
What better way to start the new year than learning something new!
At KKIS we offer many opportunities to broaden their horizons and gain self-confidence. Gaining a new skill can help prepare they for the future, maybe it helps they gain the job they have always dreamed of or opens up new possibilities they never had before.
Gaining new skills in presentation, English and media isn’t just a part of education, it builds their skillset by doing something you enjoy or that you’ve always wanted to do.
Take the example about our student: María. She has gone on to university, and her words say it better than we ever could, so with that we present to you María.
“I’m the first in my family to finish high school and continue with my studies. Sometimes I underestimate myself but knowing that I am the first in my family to continue studying motivates me.”- Said María.
“The KKIS advisor sessions really helped me. They helped me establish goals for myself and then go and fulfill them.” – Said María.
“The truth is that I am very happy to be with KKIS for almost 4 years now. They have been a great support for me and I can only say: “Thank you very much for everything you do for all the students you support, I wish you the best.”- Said María
Undoubtedly, university can be a challenging time in student’s life, but put in the hard work now and you will reap the rewards later!
We all have challenges, some push through and some give up. Our promising students are pushing through because they see education as a way to a better life. Thanks to our donors and sponsors we will see 35 students graduate high school and 6 graduates from university in 2023.
So, what does it take to graduate high school in 2023? A strong work ethic, people who believe in you and the resources to continue with an education.
Starting a new year with new opportunities for you
Making a commitment to service in 2023—through an organization and with other people—could be one of the most important resolutions you make this year.
Studies have shown that volunteering has a positive impact on society, on those receiving a service, and on the individuals, who are donating their time and talent. Volunteer experiences expand our understanding of different cultures, contributing to a more honest perspective of both ourselves and the world.
How You Can Help KKIS
For over 10 years, KKIS has been supporting students from kindergarten through university by removing obstacles so students can stay in school. High school and university scholarships are the most powerful ways to positively change lives.
Educating one child impacts the whole family.
You can help KKIS by donating today
You can also follow us on Instagram.