Imagine having to spend more than a month's wages each year just to send a child to school. That is the hardship faced by many families in Chile. Their country's law requires that all children between 6 and 18 attend school, just as most U. S. states do. Their government also operates a school supported by tax money. However, that is where the legal similarities end.

In Chile, all school children MUST wear prescribed uniforms that cost over $200 (U. S.) each. This is a problem when the minimum wage is less than $1.00 per hour, and the average income in many areas of Chile is less than $300 per family per month. Since most Chileans have large families, the total cost could be multiplied many times. It is easy to see how this would be a hardship, even when there are no other costs involved in sending a child to school. However, even after buying these uniforms, parents often have to pay varying amounts of tuition for the child to attend a decent school or settle for a government school with NO heat, leaky roofs, and few, if any, supplies. Homeschooling is completely illegal and nonexistent in Chile, so that is not an option.

Parents living in and around the central Chile city of Chillan are very blessed to have access to a good Christian school at little or no cost. Colegio Hispano Americano (Hispanic American Academy) provides a quality Christian education for over 1400 children on an 'ability to pay' basis, including many who pay no tuition at all. These children and their families exist on the absolute lowest edge of poverty, and CHA is sorely strapped for the funds to help them.

This is where Family A Familia comes in. This a Christian organization started by but not affiliated with Covenant Family Fellowship and Covenant Academy, both located in Montgomery, AL. It is solely dedicated to helping the needy in Chile and has no paid staff. The group shares an office with Covenant Academy to avoid any donations from being eaten up in overhead. 98% of all funds go directly to the needy in Chile.

For a donation of $40.00 per month (U. S.), FAF can provide for the needs of one destitute child and help him/her toward better living in the future through a good education. This small amount will furnish school uniforms and supplies for a full year, shoes and clothing for everyday wear, two-three good meals per day, toiletries and other essentials, and a chance to attend a week of summer camp outside the dirty city. Each person or family who pledges $40.00 per month will be sponsoring one particular child. Sponsors receive addresses and other information on the children and are encouraged to write to them as they wish.

This is an ideal project for homeschoolers or school classes as children will get to know their child and can learn much about the nation of Chile and life there. To increase the educational value of this project, Lynda Coats has written a unit study on Chile to be given free to all those who sponsor a child. Just state that you are a homeschooler when you send your initial payment and pledge form.

To sponsor a child, please contact: the sponsor coordinator by e-mail to daviddell@mindspring.com; or send mail to 620-D Oliver Road; Montgomery, AL 36117. The coordinator will choose a child for you (you may specify gender and/or age) and send you the necessary forms. Checks should be made to: Family A Familia and mailed to: FAF; c/o Covenant Academy; P. O. Box 11562; Montgomery, AL 36111.

Those who cannot pledge $40.00 each month may still be able to help. Covenant Academy is prepared to serve as sponsor for as many children as possible. We will accept smaller pledges and pool them. Each time we have $40.00 in pledges, we will claim a child, and all those contributing will get info and addresses on that child. Those who cannot make a monthly pledge, may wish to consider a one-time donation. All money collected will go toward helping the children.