Studierendenwohnheime für marginalisierte Jugendliche

Central American El Salvador is struggling with serious social problems and one of the highest murder rates in the world. At the same time, the population is very young and many young people are willing to take their future and that of their country into their own hands in order to improve the living conditions of the local population. Education is key, but many talented young people do not have access to higher education institutions due to lack of financial resources and geographical remoteness. This is exactly where the Consciente dormitory project comes in.

Selection of beneficiaries

From numerous applications, around 10 young people are selected every year and given a place in a dormitory where they can live for the duration of their studies – between 2.5 and 6 years, depending on the training. In addition to their socio-economic situation, previous academic achievements and their motivation are also taken into account when selecting the beneficiaries.

Location and infrastructure

Consciente's three dormitories are located near the technical colleges and the university and offer the young people free living and sleeping quarters during the week, common rooms for workshops and group work, and workplaces equipped with computers and Internet access.

Financial support

In addition to a place in the dormitory, the young people receive a monthly pocket money of 70 USD to pay for food, tuition, travel expenses and other expenses.

Supervision and further training

The young people are closely monitored by the local team and given financial, professional and psychological support in the event of difficulties. All young people in the scholarship program regularly complete further training courses on socially relevant topics such as sexuality, nutrition, transition to working life, text editing, dealing with finances, environmental pollution, gender and democracy.

Social work

After all, the young people do at least 100 hours of community service every year in their own projects. They gain the necessary know-how and motivation to pass on their knowledge and to take responsibility for solving social problems.