By Silke Wahl | Development Consultant
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused more than 4 million children and youths in Guatemala to be out of school since March 17th, and schools and universities won’t re-open before 2021. The already fragile education system within the country seems threatened more than ever. Due to the economic crisis caused by the pandemic, it is expected that the drop-out rates of students will increase in 2021. Many families who were already on the edge about sending their children to school, will have to force them entering the workforce and leaving studies behind.
As a result of the pandemic, the education system has changed dramatically, with the rise of online learning, whereby teaching is undertaken remotely and via digital platforms and the economic crisis has affected many low-income families with basic needs such as food, healthcare and shelter going unmet. CasaSito´s scholars, parents and teachers have expressed experiencing anxiety, fear, stress and worries under the current circumstances that can take an emotional toll. CasaSito is convinced that when given the appropriate tools, youths and parents can effectively cope with the stress that the pandemic has produced.
During the last months, CasaSito has offered intense psychological support to its scholars and families (telepsychology) in order to help them to buffer against the current stressors and overcome the negative impact the pandemic has had on their mental well-being.
In addition, the team has made the effort to offer enrichment workshops such as debate, theatre, art, creative writing, English and sports online, in order to motivate youth and offer options to socialize, engage, boost their mental health and allow them to continue developing their personal and artistic skills despite the restrictions caused by the Covid-19.
Notwithstanding all the difficulties, CasaSito´s scholars have been regularly participating in the activities offered, demonstrating enthusiasm, engagement, gratitude and creativity.
We are convinced that our scholars will need our support also after this pandemic, in order to emerge as strong and resilient young people and we are happy to support, mentor and guide them with an open ear and heart.
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