Paz & Play is an after-school program for local public school children that arose from a community-identified need for affordable and educational after-school care. Our program provides English language immersion, environmental education, and pro-social skill support. Paz Oaxaca is opening a second Paz & Play location in a semi-rural community that has identified similar needs. We anticipate serving 12 children and are fundraising to support this new location for one academic year.
In Oaxaca, public school is only half-day, which leads to childcare strains for working families. This makes working a full-time job for many parents a challenge. There are few programs that address this gap, and even fewer that are both educational and affordable. The state of Oaxaca itself faces obstacles such as high rates of poverty and a lack of high-quality, affordable education. Through Paz & Play, we hope to provide children with affordable enriching educational opportunities.
Paz & Play addresses the community's need for safe, educational, low-cost after-school care. School schedules make it difficult for parents to work full-time while caring for their children. Many parents have to make the choice between working less or paying often steep prices for after-school care. Paz & Play works to bridge this gap by providing an enriching, reliable, safe, and affordable program for families.
Paz & Play strives to make a positive impact in the Oaxaca community through teaching and cultivating peace and care towards ourselves, our communities, and our environment. We envision an empowered community that is both self-sufficient and well-equipped to tackle economic, social, and educational challenges. We believe this starts with cultivating empathetic and aware children and through providing opportunities for learning, growth, and engagement.
