Breaking the Cycle of Poverty
ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS FOR THOSE IN NEED
The Castañeda Kids Foundation (TCKF) firmly believes the cycle of poverty can be stopped through education, pure and simple. But as we know, not every family has access.
In 1997, four of TCKF’s original founding members created the Carlos and Marina Castañeda Foundation in honor of their parents who had begun the effort of pushing their community to take notice of well deserving but financially challenged students. With the continuing commitment of the Founders and now the rest of the TCKF team, Carlos and Marina’s efforts live on. In partnership with Instituto El Carmelo in Soyapango, El Salvador, TCKF has sponsored and mentored over 440 students since the program’s inception.
The criteria is simple; financially compromised but committed students accepted into the program have to perform at their best level. No exceptions. Equally as important is their parents’/guardians’ commitment. They pledge to fuel their children’s academic success and also commit to being active members of the school community. Whether helping with fundraising efforts or volunteering in the many day-to-day school activities, this pay it forward mentality encourages parents to take pride in their children’s education and themselves for their efforts towards the greater good.
And You Can Help!
Through individual donations, you can sponsor an annual scholarship for an elementary or high school student. Each scholarship donation includes full tuition alongside one daily snack for each student.
These scholarships have been impactful and life changing for both the students, their families and their communities. We’d be grateful if you’d like to help and become part of this change.
MUSIC ENCOURAGES CREATIVITY, BRINGS JOY TO THE COMMUNITY
A recent addition to TCK’s education initiative, TCKF’s music program sponsorship began in 2022 at Villa Palestina, a financially challenged, rural school close to the El Salvador coast. Villa Palestina had never enjoyed a music program but during a routine cleaning effort, a student discovered old musical instruments in a supply closet. When the principal realized this boy and other students really desired to learn how to play, she tuned to TCKF for help to fund the purchase of new musical instruments.
With the support of a talented music teacher, a visionary principal and a deeply committed community, the music program has been a resounding success. The entire school – close to 500 students – now receive weekly music lessons as part of their school curriculum. More than a third of the student body signed up for additional after-school music classes. The students have also formed a band that now performs with huge pride at the many school events and community functions.
Music Changes An Entire School
All band students and their families are held to the same principles of academic rigor and community commitment. They’ve risen to the challenge and the results have been dramatic.
Drastically less truancy amongst band participants. Better grades overall. Much community pride. Incredible personal pride. And some really fun music that lifts this community’s spirits.
Please join us in helping these children continue to find joy, commitment and challenge through the gift of music. Even better, the students have also formed a band that now performs with huge pride at the many school events and community functions.
