The Sonder Project | 2021 Annual Report | Page 13

INTRODUCING THE SONDER STUDENT SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM
2021 Annual Report
INTRODUCING THE SONDER STUDENT SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM
2021 was the year we kicked off our new Student Sponsorship Program . We established this program to decrease drop-out rates , improve attendance , and assist students attending Sonderconstructed schools to realize their potential . We began by sponsoring 50 Primary School Students at two schools where we had previously constructed new classrooms . A community leadership committee , along with the school ’ s teachers , nominated students , and then each student was interviewed by Sonder Project staff . Students were evaluated based on a scale we adapted from the Poverty Probability Index and selected across multiple grade levels . Each sponsored student received school and exam fees , a complete uniform , and school supplies necessary for one year .
Interviews conducted at the end of the year with students , teachers , and parents showed : 1 . Increased confidence and pride . 2 . Improved academic engagement . 3 . Decreased barriers to access .
We ’ ve been very encouraged by the feedback we ’ ve received after this first year and are excited to expand the program in 2022 .
Thank you to all the donors who supported us in this first year of implementation . Please see page 20 to learn how we plan to grow !
The first 25 students sponsored by The Sonder Project at Kasikidzi School .
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