Life-changing preschool in Guatemala

December marks the end of the school year in Guatemala, when we celebrate the class of 2023 and take a holiday for Christmas and the New Year. This month we gave special celebrations for our 5-year-old students who graduate from the Acorn Childcare Center and are ready to start school!

Olguita, whose two older siblings are both alumni of the Center, loved the art projects, especially drawing with crayons.

Cristopher, who previously spent a lot of time alone at home, loved games and activities with peers. 

Santiago, who was shy to warm up to his peers, loved listening to read-aloud stories.

Rebeca, who was a returning student, was an excellent role model for the younger students and took on the role of a leader during activities.

Your generosity allowed us to provide a vibrant learning environment for all the students. From the basics — like Olguita’s favorite crayons and Santiago’s favorite books — to the less tangible but equally important: stimulating curriculum, consistent care from teachers and staff, and the confidence that comes from being heard, seen and understood by a loving community.

Because of you, our graduates will start school next year ready to learn despite their economic circumstances. And our returning students will have a caring educational environment at no cost to their families, ensuring their basic needs are met and encouraging active learning during their formative preschool years.

With your support we were also able to create canastas navideñas (Christmas gift baskets) for each family enrolled at the Center. This tradition ensures that our families have the basic food supplies that they might need to be able to celebrate the Christmas holiday together. These baskets contain staples like flour, beans, rice, cereal, sugar, powdered milk and some small treats. Thank-you!

¡Feliz Navidad! Merry Christmas from the Acorn Childcare Center! 

Links:

• Read the full story -- with photos! -- on the blog.