Battery draining fast

The fusible link is on the driver's side and connects between the large lug on the starter relay and one of the the smaller lugs going through the firewall. (It is a rather thick wire but not nearly as thick as a starter or battery cable.) You can find fusible link wire at NAPA or buy a new complete fusible link from a few sources. It is a specific type of wire so substitutes should only be used as a temporary patch. Sometimes they do get patched and don't last.

Now the fusble link typically blows open or becoems erratically open. It would not cause the alternator to not charge; it could cause the car's electrical system to be entirely dead.

Glad you and your daughter are on this together. It will be a good set of lessons in patience with older machinery and planning ahead for handling roadside breakdowns! (Tell her not to drive it in any tough neighborhoods for a looong time while it gets sorted out.)