Without rehashing a litany of pandemic perils and plaints…this last year was interesting. But, despite lockdowns, curfews, travel restrictions, and limited social interaction, we still see great things happening.
It is like watching one of the nature films showing how life returns to a forest after a devastating fire…little buds of plants and flowers start growing up through the quiet hush beneath the ashes. Life goes on….
Can we share some beautiful success stories with you?
One of our students overcame the crazy changes in the school’s COVID-mangled schedule; half-days, hybrids days, school online at home, and a mix of all three. Despite the chaos and uncertainty, she was presented with an award for Top Student in the school!!! She has maintained all 5s (aka a straight A student to most of us) from first through fourth grade!!!!!
High school is optional here. For many families, the extra expense is a luxury. It is not unusual for kids to finish school after 8th grade. Sadly, they are missing out on the incredible benefits of these few extra years of learning. If a Serbian Roma student finishes high school, the odds of them growing up and living at (or below) the poverty line are cut by 86%!!! Propel’s help with the costs of textbooks, school supplies, sneakers, uniforms, bus passes, etc., has been integral in over 20 kids going on to a high school education!!
COVID prevented us from having our 2020 Summer Education Camps, but we had a brainstorm for this year. We are putting together our first all-Serbian Camp Team, and we are also working with a Virtual Team from 3 countries to develop curriculum, activities, games, and crafts.
(Don’t tell the kids…it is a secret!)
Meanwhile at Propel HQ, Mary is co-ordinating communications with the parents of the 120 kids we aim to serve this year. She has become a techno-wiz of online communication. Whether it is Facebook Messenger, Viber, WhatsApp, email, smoke signals, or Morse Code- she can handle it. Paul is applying for grants, working on improving how we keep track of communications, planning for The H.I.K.E. 2021, and doing whatever Mary tells him to do.
What’s next? (There is always a what’s next.)
- If you’re the praying-kind, please pray for availability of two camp locations.
- If you’re the giving-kind, we have about 45 students still needing sponsors
(more info can be found here>>Propel Students) - If you’re the action-kind, we could use some help with The H.I.K.E. 2021
(more info can be found here>>H.I.K.E. 2021) - If you’re the adventurous-kind, you can host a DIY Fundraiser.
(more info can be found here>>DIY) - If you’re the sharing-kind, please share the Propel story with your friends.
(more info can be found here>>Advocates)
Thank you. God bless you!
Paul and Mary Triller
We are running on faith, but we are not running alone.