Pilot – Colegio Betania: Became a double-shift school in 2025.

In line with innovation and sustainability.

After carefully reviewing the benefits and challenges, as well as its impact on the neighborhood it serves, upper management at SUMATE, part of Hogar de Cristo, decided to launch a pilot program for secondary education by implementing a double-shift school system at Betania School (Santa Rosa 7766, La Granja). This decision improves the coverage of the re-entry and reintegration programs, and the pilot’s conclusions will inform the decision about implementing this system at the other two SUMATE schools in Santiago.

A double-shift educational approach involves two groups of students being educated daily during separate time shifts within the same Betania school building (morning and afternoon shifts).

Betania School, located in the La Granja commune, is a highly vulnerable community in Santiago, Chile. High poverty rates and a significant school vulnerability index characterize this low-income urban area. As a result, the SUMATE decision not only maximizes the limited capacity of infrastructure and resources but also enhances access to education enrollment by welcoming more vulnerable youths out of school, adapting to the reality it serves, providing scheduling flexibility, and being cost-effective.

Betania School’s capacity for double-shift education – Pilot 2025:

Capacity 2024: 260

Capacity 2025: 375

Increase: 115 students or 44.2%

The cost of implementing the double-shift pilot in 2025 is USD 135,000.

We invite you to make a lasting impact on a vulnerable youth out of school by donating to this project or sponsoring a youth.

Another option to make an impact is to be a recurring donor. Over 50% of Hogar de Cristo’s income comes from generous recurring donors.

For vulnerable SUMATE youth programs, the average cost of study in 2025 is USD 160/student-month or USD 1,920/year-student if you decide to finance the whole year.

To donate, please click HERE. 

HOGAR DE CRISTO USA