Life-changing preschool in Guatemala

Ethan, age 3, is a new student at the Center this year. Ethan spent his first few days crying, had difficulty communicating, wore a diaper and was remarkably underweight.

After six months at the Center, Ethan has adapted to the daily routines, he more easily communicates with staff and peers, and uses the toilet instead of a diaper. He has gained weight, enjoying the 4 meals provided everyday and sometimes asking for additional servings of fruit. 

Ethan’s mother has noticed his physical, mental and psychomotor development at home, too. She is so grateful for the caring environment and nutritious meals (with second helpings!) he receives at the Center. Inflation in Guatemala is making it more challenging to continue to run the Center and your ongoing generosity is essential to keeping our mission afloat. Knowing that we can expect your donation every month allows us to plan confidently. From extra servings of fruit and art supplies to staff salaries and rent, your commitment helps our young students get a better start in life despite their economic and family difficulties. Thank you!

Links:

• Read the full story, with more photos, on the blog!
• Make a recurring monthly gift

We’re celebrating 20 YEARS of early education and care at the Acorn Childcare Center!

In the early 2000’s, our founder, Rachael, spent a year working in a women’s shelter in Guatemala. When visiting one of the families that had moved on from the shelter, she found a 9 year old girl at home looking after her 5 year old sister, 2 year old brother, and an infant. The 9 year old was not equipped to provide adequate care for such young children and she too was missing out something very important: the opportunity to go to school. 

Our founder knew this was not an unusual situation for many working mothers in Guatemala — extreme poverty means that women do not have good options for where they live or with whom they leave their children, making them vulnerable to domestic violence and neglect. Seeing it first hand, however, impressed on her the urgent need for good child care in Guatemala, where societal difficulties stem back to a thirty-year-long civil war where US foreign policy and investments created climates of extreme poverty and distress that continues today. The foundations Rachael created in both the UK and in the US are completely run by volunteers and thus 100% of each donation goes directly to the Acorn Childcare Center which opened its doors to families in need in 2005.

The Acorn Childcare Center provides a safe and caring environment for young children while allowing older siblings to attend primary school and parents to earn a living wage. Students are given breakfast, healthy snacks and a main meal each day in an environment that nurtures trusting relationships with adults and other children and inspires and supports active learning. When children have a safe space to learn and play with good nutrition, caring adults and a connection to their community, they grow into adults who are healthier, resilient, and can better face adversity. Our alumni embody the powerful impact of this experience and over the past 20 years, your generosity has allowed us to reach hundreds of children and their families! 

As we look ahead to uncertain times, we are counting on your continued support to give even more children a better start in life. Thank you!

Links:

• Slideshow: The many birthdays we've celebrated at the Center!
• Help us celebrate with a matching gift on Bonus Day!