Reversing Risks For Students INTRO: What’s the key to keeping kids in school? Missionary Kim Torres designed the Branches program in Florida so other teens could mentor those most at risk of dropping out. 18-year-old Martine who came to the states from Haiti is now a graduate, and a teacher, for others. It’s important work. In 2000, 44% of Hispanic teens born outside the U.S. left school. “Branches” hopes to reverse that trend, one tutor at a time. SCRIPT: (Locator: Florida City, Fla.) It’s the end of another school day… Student: “I passed it!” Kim Torres/Branches Coordinator: “Did you get 100?” Student: “Yeah!” …and this is a second home for these students. Kim Torres: “Why did you have a detention?” Kim Torres: “We offer consistent love, no matter where the kids are from or what’s going on in their lives. There are always people here who will love them and care for them.” Branches is a United Methodist tutoring and mentoring program in Florida City. It serves the working poor… the children of Mexican farm workers and Haitian hospitality employees. Ismael Ferniza/Branches Tutor: “It brings them a lot of comfort because we’re friendly. They might go home and their parents argue all the time.” 18-year-old Ismael can relate to a tough home life. His father was killed in a drug shooting. Ismael went through Branches and now volunteers to help other kids. Ismael Ferniza: “It makes me feel good because now I know they can come to me and might not go to another person who might teach them wrong things.” Martine Daceus/Branches Tutor: “Good job. You’re so smart.” 18-year-old Martine came to America on a boat from Haiti with her mother, who now works as a hotel maid. Martine grew up in the Branches program. Now a recent high school graduate, she’s giving back. Martine Daceus: “I was lucky enough to have people give me that attention so I could excel in school. I see myself as them. All they need is a little attention and they’ll excel too.” Kim Torres: “They see her and think ‘I can do that.’ The little girls know they’re someone great. ‘She’s done it. I can do it too.’” TAG: Branches can boast plenty of success stories. 96 percent of the students raise their grade levels by at least one letter grade. 100 percent of those in the program who finished high school have gone on to college or vocational training. For more details on the program, call Florida City United Methodist Church at 305-246-2686.
| 
