Support 8 youth to succeed in school and society

On behalf of all of us at CasaSito Association, we would like to extend a huge thank you to you! Our project has ended as we have reached our goal, not once, but twice due to generous supporters like you. In 2016, eight scholars completed and graduated from our Youth Development Program (YDP).

While this project has closed, our work continues. We are currently supporting 141 scholars in 50 communities across Guatemala. Through our Youth Development Program that consists of partial scholarships for middle school, high school and university students; psycho-social support; extracurricular activities; and personal development workshops for scholars and parents, we aim to expand academic, professional and personal opportunities for our youth, supporting them to become successful change-makers within their communities and break the cycle of poverty.

We see education as a tool for breaking the cycle of poverty. With this in mind, we provide crucial support that allows them to stay in school, develop important life and personal skills, and move away from engaging in informal labor.  Our investment in them prepares our youth with necessary skills to live in the present and build the confidence within themselves as professionals.

The success of our scholars and alumni prove the impact we are having among our youth. Our staff shared the success of one of our alumni, Ana Maria. “At first, she did not participate nor speak up during workshops and activities. After joining Theater of the Oppressed, we saw a positive dramatic change! During activities and psycho-social sessions with staff, she began to speak without fear, smiled more, and her shyness completely disappeared. She gained confidence within herself and began planning her future.”

After completing the YDP program and graduating from high school, she found employment at a local supermarket. She was quickly promoted from cashier to human resources assistant! Ana Maria’s story is one of success as she is already breaking cycles. At age 19, she completed a Bilingual Secretary degree and is currently focusing on her career. Ana Maria shared that her time in CasaSito helped prepare her with the necessary skills for success. She is in her first year of university, studying human resources administration at the University of Landivar. We are so proud of Ana Maria!

Again, we would like to thank you for your continued support that helps us form Guatemalan youth like Ana Maria and others like her to become the future leaders within their communities!