We are pleased to share that the Mario Antonio Almonte Center opened its doors in September of 2021 during the height of the pandemic! Already 90 students are actively engaged in English classes and we have an additional 30 students on a waitlist. Three board members were blessed to participate in the official grand opening in November of 2021. The excitement from the community was palpable. We listened to the students singing, watched them participate in English classes, and celebrated as they checked-out books from the library. We are now looking forward to the opening of our jewelry workshop. To meet the needs and offer classes to our students on the waiting list, Building Up is building up!  The second floor  construction project is in full swing with the goal of the roof being completed by September, 2023 and the floor being fully furnished by the end of January, 2024.  We are hoping to open the second floor to those students on the waiting list for the second semester beginning in February, 2024.  Please prayerfully consider supporting this next phase!

As you know, the mission of Building Up is to empower community members educationally, financially and spiritually by providing opportunities to learn English, generate income for their families, and attend Bible studies and basketball sports ministry. We are delighted to be seeing the fruit of our investment in Los Cocos as three of our young adults, who previously received scholarships to attend English academies in Santiago, are now teaching at our Center. In addition, Building Up is celebrating the first graduating class of 2023!! Thanks so very much for being part of our story of God's faithfulness and provision! Please enjoy these photos of the second floor and from the grand opening and blessing of the building! Gloria a Dios!!