This year, Peggy Brewin Cooperative Preschool is very excited about sharing our proceeds from the annual silent auction with the Guatamala Daycare Project. This locally run charity organization is fuelled entirely by volunteers and donations, and we feel priviledged to be able to help them.
Who are they?
The Guatamala Daycare Project is run by retired Canadian educators, Sheila Silver and Brian Swan. They have worked together with the Mayan organization, Infantiles SOS, for the past 10 years. Their goal is to improve the lives of Mayan children and families in remote areas of Guatamala.
What do they do?
The Mayans, the indigenous of Guatemala receive no government assistance.The Guatamala Daycare Project helps to build and maintain daycare centers. The families benefiting from these daycares are predominately low income, rural families many of whom have little or no education. Usually the fathers generate income as farm labourers while the mothers manage the home and children or struggle to work with kids in tow.
Education is key to fighting the cycle of poverty and proper nutrition is needed in order to learn. Guatamala Daycare Project works with the umbrella organization, Infantiles SOS which has no governmental, political or religious affiliations. Infantiles SOS accepts up to 4 children, aged one to six, from one family. Communities wishing to participate in the daycare program must provide a space for the daycare, three teachers and a cook. When these things are in place, Infantiles SOS trains the teachers and helps prepare the space for the arrival of the students. All daycare children are registered and monthly health checks allow for early detection of serious problems. Introduction of proper nutrition , dental care, eating habits and physical growth contribute to stronger, healthier children. Shoes and warm clothing are also made available to those in greatest need.
Currently, they help support 10 daycares. This furthers the wellbeing of the whole family because it enables mothers to enter the workforce, thereby supplementing the family income. Moms go off to work secure in the knowledge that their children are in a safe, healthy environment where they receive adequate supervision, good healthy food and have educational opportunities as well.
Education is key to fighting the cycle of poverty and proper nutrition is needed in order to learn. Guatamala Daycare Project works with the umbrella organization, Infantiles SOS which has no governmental, political or religious affiliations. Infantiles SOS accepts up to 4 children, aged one to six, from one family. Communities wishing to participate in the daycare program must provide a space for the daycare, three teachers and a cook. When these things are in place, Infantiles SOS trains the teachers and helps prepare the space for the arrival of the students. All daycare children are registered and monthly health checks allow for early detection of serious problems. Introduction of proper nutrition , dental care, eating habits and physical growth contribute to stronger, healthier children. Shoes and warm clothing are also made available to those in greatest need.
Currently, they help support 10 daycares. This furthers the wellbeing of the whole family because it enables mothers to enter the workforce, thereby supplementing the family income. Moms go off to work secure in the knowledge that their children are in a safe, healthy environment where they receive adequate supervision, good healthy food and have educational opportunities as well.