This project will build a learning center providing classes, activities and services designed to promote greater self-sufficiency to a rural community of over 500. This is a place where an environment of creativity, curiosity and cooperation can lead to personal pride, strength of character and vision to create a better life for future generations.
Most of the families in San Miguel Viejo live without complete houses, no kitchens or bathrooms, use wood for cooking and have unsafe drinking water. Many children do not know their fathers who have gone to the USA seeking work. Higher education is rare resulting in drug and alcohol abuse and pregnancy in adolescents. There are no local health services.
We have taken a survey of every household to determine the needs and desires of the community. The results: a computer center where students can do their homework with a tutor if necessary, literacy and English classes, a kitchen and meeting room, a day-care center, bathrooms, art and craft area with a gallery to show and sell work, a community garden and a clinic. We shall employ and train residents to manage the center.
For 10 years Ojala Ninos has provided a successful after-school program to the children of San Miguel Viejo. One of the first students, Rosa Elena, now attends the University and is one of our literacy teachers. We have facilitated the construction of rain catchment systems and provided eco-stoves and water purifiers to many families. The future classes and services we shall provide insure a better quality of life for this community of over 500. Hope is an illusion without opportunity.
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