Meet El Salvador Scholarship Student, Marlene

Marlene is from the community of Cinquera and is 21 years old. She is currently in her third year of study at Salvadoran Lutheran University and her field of study is Accounting.  She is expected to graduate in 2023 and her grade point average last semester was 8.6.

Marlene lives with her parents, brother and nephew.  Her father, Irene, is 64 years old, a farmer, and never went to school.  Her mother, Armelina, is 62 years old, a homemaker, and never went to school. Marlene’s brother, José Carmelo, is 17 years old and is in the 9^th grade. Her nephew, José Miguel, is 17 and is in the 8^th grade.

Below please read Marlene’s comments about the Scholarship program, her challenges and her future plans.

WHAT IMPACT HAS THE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM HAD ON YOUR LIFE? It has had a positive impact. Thanks to the scholarship I can continue my university studies. My family and I are so thankful for the support CIS, ARDM, and St. Sabina are giving us.

WHAT IMPACT HAS THE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM HAD ON YOUR COMMUNITY? The program is of a great help for the community. There are many activities carried out for scholarship recipients and youth in general. The program has enabled many to pursue a university education, who will eventually serve our community.

WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR GREATEST OBSTACLES IN ORDER TO CONTINUE YOUR EDUCATION? One of my greatest obstacles is the social insecurity we are living in. Another obstacle is the pandemic for COVID-19. There has been a great change in our way of studying. The economic situation is also a limiting factor for us.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER GRADUATING FROM HIGH SCHOOL OR UNIVERSITY? I want to get a job in my field, study a master’s degree and support my community putting into action the knowledge I acquired.