
Empower Salvadoran Kids: Join Our Mission
Donation protected
Transforming Lives Through Education, Resources, and Sustainable Opportunities - The GIVERS Story
Who We Are
We are GIVERS, an official international volunteering club originating from Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan, with over 100 members. Our flagship initiative, the El Salvador Project, is inspired by our leader’s Salvadoran-Japanese heritage and a deep commitment to bridging socio-economic gaps for children in El Salvador.
Our mission is to equip Salvadoran youth with the tools and confidence to succeed through education, mentorship, and sustainable support.
Why El Salvador?
El Salvador, a vibrant country full of potential, faces overwhelming challenges:
• 26% of its population lives below the poverty line, leaving many families unable to afford basic necessities.
• High rates of teenage unwanted pregnancies, driven by a combination of limited access to comprehensive sexual education, socio-economic hardships, and cultural stigma around reproductive health discussions. These pregnancies often disrupt education and perpetuate cycles of poverty.
• Many children drop out of school due to a lack of resources and opportunities.
• Communities lack access to vital educational and hygiene supplies.
By addressing these systemic issues, our project aims to equip Salvadoran youth with the tools, confidence, and knowledge they need to make informed choices, pursue education, and build brighter futures. By donating, you’ll be directly contributing to breaking these barriers and empowering a generation to thrive.
Our Vision
Our vision is to empower Salvadoran youth with the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed. Through education, mentorship, and sustainable support, we aim to break the cycle of poverty, enabling them to create brighter futures for themselves and their communities.
This mission isn’t just about meeting immediate needs, it’s about fostering independence, building leadership, and paving the way for long-term success. By equipping children with skills and opportunities, we are investing in a generation that will rise above adversity and inspire lasting change.
Our Timeline and Sustainable Goals
The March 2025 program is part of a multi-year commitment to create lasting change for Salvadoran children and their communities. Here’s how our long-term goals align:
2025 Goals: March Program Focus
We are focusing on three key areas to expand our impact:
1. Provide Essential Donations
• 100 soaps for each school’s bathroom.
• 100 sanitary underwear and reusable cloth napkins.
• 120 menstrual cups, generously donated by the company Deye.
• A year’s worth of school supplies for over 100 children.
• More donations as funding allows
2. Increase Motivation
• Host an excursion to San Salvador for 40 children, introducing them to the capital’s modern developments and connecting them with inspiring Salvadoran professionals.
• Japanese Philosophy and Cultural Practices:
Teach Japanese philosophy through engaging workshops centered on the concept of Ikigai, which combines the terms "life" and "worth." These workshops will introduce children and adults to practices such as:
o Karate: Instilling respect, discipline, endurance, and mindfulness.
o Kintsugi: Teaching the acceptance of change, imperfections, and resilience.
o Calligraphy (Shodou): Encouraging children to visualize and take action toward their dreams.
These activities will not only introduce Salvadoran communities to Japanese culture but also foster values of self-improvement, creativity, and mindfulness.
• Creating Part-Time Job Opportunities:
Leverage skills taught in the program, such as video editing, to create part-time job opportunities for high school students. With parental approval, students can produce daily life blogs or vlogs, which will be shared through social media channels.
o How It Works:
GIVERS will financially support students based on the content they produce.
Videos will provide insight into real-life challenges, enabling targeted support.
Charitable initiatives tied to their stories will directly benefit the student and their families, building both skills and income sources.
3. Teach Life-Changing Skills
Our workshops will teach:
• English for career and academic opportunities.
• Bitcoin literacy, teaching how to use Bitcoin effectively as it is a legal currency in El Salvador.
• Sports training to foster teamwork, discipline, and leadership.
• Hygiene practices to improve health and well-being.
• Presentation and video editing skills to expand career potential.
How Your Donation Will Help - Cost Breakdown
We have set minimum estimates for the project, but every additional dollar allows us to reach more children and schools. Here's the breakdown:
1. Travel Costs for 7 Volunteers (75% Assistance): $7,000
2. Donations (hygiene products, school supplies): $3,719
3. Excursion Costs (bus rental): $1,450
4. Shipping (supplies and crafts): $2,205
5. Materials for Fair Trade Products: $140
6. Teaching and Program Supplies: $2,117
Total Minimum Goal: $16,631
Already Raised $10,000 through other means of fundraising
With more support, we can expand the project’s reach to additional schools and communities.
Why Your Support Matters
Education is the foundation for opportunity, and this project creates a bridge for children in El Salvador to overcome systemic challenges. Your generosity will directly fund programs that:
• Equip schools with essential resources.
• Inspire children to dream beyond their circumstances.
• Teach skills that will empower them for a lifetime.
Every dollar has an outsized impact in El Salvador, meaning your contribution can go further to create tangible change.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
Even after leaving El Salvador, the work continues:
• Promoting fair trade: Selling Salvadoran crafts and coffee in Japan to support local artisans.
• Recycling school supplies: Donating unused materials from Japan to Salvadoran schools.
• Sharing success stories: Spreading awareness of Salvadoran children’s achievements to inspire continued support.
Join Us in Building Bright Futures
This isn’t just a donation—it’s an investment in the future of Salvadoran children. With your help, we can:
• Give children the tools they need to thrive.
• Empower youth to break the cycle of poverty.
• Build a bridge between communities, creating a world of shared opportunities.
Whether you give $10, $100, or more, your contribution will leave a lasting impact. Together, we can transform challenges into opportunities and dreams into reality.
Make a difference today—donate and share our story!
How to Keep Up With the Project
Stay connected with us and follow the impact of your contribution in real time! We regularly share updates, photos, and stories about the progress of the El Salvador Project on our social media platforms.
• Instagram: Sophia University Givers
• Facebook: Sophia University Givers
By following us, you’ll see how your generosity transforms lives and creates lasting change for Salvadoran children. Join our online community and be part of the journey toward empowerment and hope!
Organizer

Aleksandar Ilic
Organizer
Maryville, MO