Create 2 Resiliency Centers in Cano Martin Pena

As we continue to battle the global COVID-19 pandemic the hope of this ends continues to keep us going. It is a fact that our daily life has changed and we had to make adjustments. People have returned to their jobs, and restaurants, gym and cinemas have already opened taking protection measurements. However, we are facing an unfortunate fact. The education it`s the most important thing for the development of a society and it has not been handled correctly. In Puerto Rico, schools continue to be closed and the student’s houses have become classrooms. Students had to take classes remotely and this has led to learning difficulties. It is not the same for all children to learn through a computer, cell phone or tablet. Given this fact and while the Government does not offer greater options to improve the learning of our children, the Resiliency Centers have served as safe spaces for learning.

We started an educational project in the afternoons. The children of the community go to the centers and are welcome by assistants and teachers who help them in the subjects. The Resiliency Centers have been safe spaces were the children are able to interact with other students and establish dynamics based on leadership development. We have been able to enable the spaces with COVID-19 protection measures to avoid infections. Also, have contributed to development the sense of responsibility in children, as they have to take the temperature with the infrared thermometer and put on hand sanitizer. Children are not the only beneficiaries of resilient centers as safe spaces also; adult residents have taken workshops of different topics.

As a comprehensive social development project, education for people of all ages is a central part of social transformation. Even without being completed, the Resiliency Centers have also become spaces for that to be possible. In times of global uncertainty, environmental changes and public health, resilient community centers are necessary to provide the community with equipped and safe spaces where they can develop activities for the benefit of the community. The project needs to continue raising funds for these centers to fully reach their potential as resiliency centers and community kitchens that can continue serving people during emergencies, they need the self-sufficiency that solar energy and rainwater harvesting can provide. With your support, and through partnerships with volunteers and other allies, we can fully furnish the centers with what they need to succeed.