Afternoon Program

In the community of Canton Xeul and Las Rosas where we operate, there are numerous challenges stemming from limited economic and educational opportunities, exacerbated by the aftermath of COVID-19. Many children come from single-parent households and lack supervised care after school hours, as parents often work long shifts. This situation can lead children into unproductive activities and put them at risk.

 

To address these issues, we have developed the Afternoon Program (Caras Alegres Tarde). This initiative aims to enhance the well-being of children by breaking the cycles of marginalization, violence, abandonment, and poverty through non-formal education focused on playful pedagogical methods.

 

Children attend their regular morning classes at various schools in the area, and in the afternoons, Caras Alegres opens its doors to offer them a variety of activities. These include psychotherapeutic workshops, arts and crafts, sports such as football, basketball, and Zumba, as well as workshops on topics like gender equity and English classes. Through these activities, we promote values, rights, emotional intelligence, and self-esteem among participants.

 

Caras Alegres Tarde provides a safe and positive environment for 120 children and adolescents who might otherwise be vulnerable to crime, substance abuse, and other negative influences prevalent in the community. From Monday to Friday, from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM, we provide a structured program where children can have fun, develop positive relationships, and learn from positive role models who impart moral and social ethics.

 

Every year, thousands of children in Guatemala drop out of school due to various reasons, including financial constraints exacerbated by crises like the one experienced in 2020. Guatemala faces significant challenges in education, with minimal investment relative to its GDP compared to other countries in Latin America, contributing to high illiteracy rates and educational gaps.

 

Through programs like Caras Alegres Tarde, we strive to mitigate these challenges by providing educational support, fostering personal development, and creating a supportive community environment for vulnerable children and families.