Mission El Salvador: 2016

To Whom it May Concern:This summer, a group of dedicated educators and volunteers will journey to El Salvador on a mission to promote education, literacy, and hope. We believe that we can make a difference by providing tangible assistance that alleviates the effects of poverty and social injustice. This mission is supported by an initiative called Project 214. Project 214 is an initiative I am furthering to promote education globally. Click on the link of my digital brochure to get the backstory of this movement: project 214 brochure It is in the pursuit of this passion, we have set out to go on a mission’s trip to El Salvador this summer on July 9-17th.

We are partnering with an orphanage as one of our main missions. Tia Ana’s orphanage resides in the slums of the capital, San Salvador. She houses over 20 children who were given to her mainly by prostitutes and drug users from the neighborhood. She provides housing, food, and all the basic necessities that children need through donations alone. Through her care and execution of resources provided to her, these children gain access to education, recreation, and the love that makes it possible for children to thrive and move on from the effects of poverty and loss. This summer, we desire to assist this home in aiding these children who have undergone such traumatic experiences. I have been going since 2009, and I have literally watched these children grow. This is personal to me-very personal.

With the loss of their parents, these children have become homeless, forcing them to live and deal with the devastating effects of poverty. Research shows that the number one tool to fight against poverty is education. It is for this reason that a group of individuals have decided to help Tia Ana’s home in providing these children with books, notebooks, pencils, book bags, and all of the supplies they will need to perform successfully in school. I want to be a part of this mission once again!We will also being aiding the village of Sacacoyo where poverty is rampant by providing school supplies, children’s books, and provide a hot meal for the entire community. This village will be hosting us during our stay, and is not far from the orphanage. We also wish to connect the people of Sacacoyo to this orphanage so they can continue to volunteer and love on the children of their own country.Our group of volunteers are actively working to find resources to purchase the school supplies and children’s books for these children. Please sponsor me to help towards airfare, along with providing funds to buy these supplies. Each traveler needs $1,600 to cover expenses and resources we want to provide. This will create a lasting impact in the lives of these orphans, and my life as well.Here's how you can help. You can donate to me in several ways: 

1. You can chase quick pay me using the email address: educationproject214@gmail.com chase sign-in
2. Write a personal check in the name of Sofia Gonzalez
3. Using the Square cash app, simply click on this link to pay me. It's connected to my bank account, and it's free and secure: cash.me link
   1. Click on the $0 and enter amount you want to donate.
   2. Enter your credit card information
   3. You can leave me an optional note
   4. Click pay
   5. You can hover over my name and pic on the left side and see a quick note that says it's for El Salvador
4. You can buy school supplies, and I'll pack them in my suitcase. Supplies needed are: folders, notebooks, pencils, crayons, backpacks, glue, and scissors
5. You can donate children's books new or gently used in English and Spanish for ages 2-15 years old.
6. If you believe in the power of prayer, please pray for me, and the team.

View my youtube video I created that shows some of the footage from my former trips to Central America: Project 214 video Follow me on twitter @MrsG_project214 for updates on the movement. Project 214 has its own handle at @EducationP214. Follow us.I cannot thank you enough for believing in this mission with me. It truly is my calling as an educator and woman of faith. It provides enormous joy to these children and families. In the words of Nelson Mandala, "Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world."