The beginning of each new year brings new challenges and exciting possibilities.  The teachers and scholarship students take time for professional development and learn about new innovative teaching techniques and develop educational materials.  The children start school in a new grade and come to La Casita for help and support … and in doing so, learn to trust in their dreams.

Mothers of the Scholarship students volunteer to cook for the Ancianas

The Casita is constantly expanding its place in the community of San Antonio Palopó. The number of children attending each week has risen to 135. But even more impressive is the involvement of their families, especially the mothers. Families are beginning to realize the real benefits of having their children spend time at the Casita, and are bringing them to the Casita. They’re also willing to volunteer!

Recently the cook who prepared the lunches for the Ancianas left her position, and it was decided that rather than replacing her, the mothers of the Scholarship students would take over the lunch preparation as volunteers. They have now formed themselves into the Monday and Wednesday teams, and work together to plan the menus, purchase the ingredients, and prepare the lunches for the Ancianas and snacks for the younger students. This has not only helped with the budget, but has created a strong sense of empowerment for these women who tend to live quite isolated lives within the community.

Maynor conducts a Saturday math class

Also of note is the increasing popularity of La Casita on Saturdays. The Saturday classes, focus primarily on computer use, Math and English and they are taught entirely by the scholarship students.  These older Scholarship students have had training on interactive teaching methods, and have shown a real ability to teach the younger children. This is reflected in the large numbers of children coming every Saturday to learn.

Miguel teaching a Saturday class

Ximena reading with the children