Since I started “Make Money Your Way” in mid-2013, I’ve committed to donating 10% of my blogging income to support children’s education in my village. As mentioned in a previous update, I provided two scholarships to the top middle school students, enabling them to attend high school 150 miles away for the next three years.
The cost of boarding school is around $2,500 per child, per year, totaling $15,000 over three years. That means I need to generate $150,000 from blogging.
In my last update, after completing summer projects, I had $490 left. Adding $574 from September’s income, the total now stands at $1,064.
### Computer and Reading Project
The Spanish girl who teaches computer classes used to be my house cleaner. When she quit, I worried she would also leave the project, but she chose to continue. I used to enjoy teaching in Europe, but my patience isn’t what it used to be. If she ever quits, I’d step in to teach, although spending five hours in a hot, humid classroom three times a week isn’t something I look forward to. The kids are enthusiastic learners and treat their one hour of computer time each week very seriously.
To accommodate more students who wanted to join, we recently rotated the groups. Now, around 70 kids get one hour of computer time each week. Thanks to a reader’s donation of another computer, we can reach even more children.
Teacher salary and internet data plan cost $205.
### Boarding School Kids
After about eight months, I finally visited the boarding school where the students I sponsored are studying. It’s an impressive place with well-maintained buildings, animals, and produce growing on acres of land, making the school partly self-sufficient.
Students contribute three hours a day to run the school. Agronomy students, for example, wake up at 4 a.m. to milk cows or walk nearly three miles to harvest tomatoes. When I visited, my students were assigned to kitchen and cleaning duties. For their work, they earn a small wage of $0.15 an hour, which they spend on sweets at the school’s shop during weekends.
The students only return to the village once a month. Both looked happy and proudly showed me their Spartan rooms, each with a bed, desk, and drawer. The girl has a private bathroom for four students, while the boy shares showers with the entire room.
They are doing well academically and work very hard. Their day starts at 5:30 a.m. with a mandatory church service, followed by breakfast, six hours of classes, lunch, community service, and additional study time in the afternoon. Boys and girls are together in classrooms but separated during meals unless a teacher is present. They can eat together on Saturdays and attend church jointly on Sundays. The school offers various activities like theater, music, and computer classes.
The students were impressed by the consistent class schedules and dedicated teachers, a stark contrast to their village school plagued by frequent strikes and interruptions. The girl I sponsor even earned an award for academic merit and good behavior, a proud moment for me as she learned to send an email with the picture attached, showcasing her new computer skills.
I pay $478 per month for both of them.
### Financial Summary
Previously, I mentioned that spending over $680 a month on boarding school and computer classes (teacher salaries and internet plans) is more than 10% of my blogging income. Some asked if I would stop supporting the kids if my income dropped. Absolutely not. I have received generous contributions from readers and friends, and if necessary, I would increase my contribution to ensure the children graduate unless they get expelled.
The first year of their three-year program ends in early November, with two more years to go. My hope is that blog earnings will cover all expenses.
Total spent: $683
Total left: $381
I’m almost in the red, so let’s boost those earnings!
