Our Approach
The Cadaniño Community Center was started with the goal of providing supplemental educational training and spiritual formation to vulnerable children in neighborhood, slums and ravines of Colona Santa Fe, a so called “red-zone” of Guatemala City that is continually plagued by violence, gangs, extortion and killings.
We strive to work with both the children and their families to provide long term change in the community and family unit.
As one parent put it, we provide a safe place for kids to learn. 100 students are enrolled in our three hour afternoon program that includes computer/IT skills, spiritual formation and educational reinforcement.
Our current programs developed organically over the past few years as we worked to meet the needs of this population.
Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.
-George Washington Carver-
Our Programs
Spiritual Formation
Bible classes, a one hour class every afternoon that includes prayer, worship, memorizing Bible verses, crafts, activities and an action point to live out in their lives. Students participate in Vacation Bible School and Bible club activities with volunteers from our local church and volunteers from the U.S. We hold regular bible studies for the parents.
Educational Reinforcement
Our educational reinforcement programs work to complement the classes students receive in school by providing tutoring in Math, Language Arts and help with their homework. Through our library of books and use of our computer classroom students can do research, complete investigations and print needed content for their school homework. When possible we also provide students with backpacks and other educational supplies to assist them in their studies.
Family Strengthening
Our goal is to see strong families lead by strong parents. %60 of the families in our center do not attend church regularly, yet through ministry to the children we have the chance to minister to the parents.
Bible studies, prayer groups and local church involvement are all part of how we serve the whole family.
S.T.E.M.
In our computer classes students start off learning basic computer skills such as typing, MS-Office applications, internet skills and email. From there they advance to coding and programming learning to think creatively, reason systematically and work collaboratively. They receive classes in internet applications, HTML and web design through a course developed by Royale Studios. For interested students we provide training in Photoshop, graphics design and creating presentations. Students have to opportunity to learn robotic, electronics and engineering concepts through scholarships at Robotis. We place a strong emphasis on teaching students to learn for themselves via internet research and invite local businessmen to give motivational talks to the students.
Nutritional Assistance
When children are hungry, it's hard for them to learn.
Nearly half the children in Guatemala under five are malnourished. By providing a nutritional meal when students come into our centers, it enables their brains to develop faster, they learn better and can focus on their studies and not on their bellies.
