Puerto Rican Youth from Despair to Hope

The main objective of the Shining with Hope  program of P.E.C.E.S., Inc.  is to promote family unity, strengthen the self-esteem of children and young people coming from intense suffering after Hurricanes Maria and Fiona, the earthquakes suffered by Puerto Rico and the  pandemic. It also seeks to develop a sense of love for nature and environmental protection. Another fundamental aspect  of the program is to help the children learn to protect nature and the environment.  As part of this objective they carried out the activity: “Let's explore together.” The topic was related to nature and survival. It took place in the green areas of the PECES Alternative High School and consisted of a walk where the children, led by the coordinator, were able to learn different ways and strategies that can be used to survive in the event of a catastrophe. These activities motivate children and young people and give them the tools to face life with courage, resilience, and hope. The children then share their experiences with their families and community and urge them to continue promoting love for nature and how we must protect it to achieve our survival.

In a similar way P.E.C.E,S., Inc. Alternative High School strives to utilize nature and the environment to motivate our high risk students who face many, many difficult economic, social, and personal situations to continue in their studies. This academic year began with the preparation of the School Garden, which will be the practice setting to develop vocational agricultural skills in search of food security and improving the health of our youth and their families. The School Garden is also the setting for practicing and transitioning to the Educational Laboratory where lettuce is planted and harvested for personal use and to generate ingalternatives for the educational project. In students that participated in these projects the average grades of  A,B, or C was 93% in science, mathematics and technology courses (most of our youth have previously dropped out of school). This percentage has been one of the highest in these subjects in recent academic years. The average ABC results by class in the academic year was: Science 90%; Mathematics 93% and Technology 97%. . This is a great success for our children and youth.

Giving Tuesday is the 28th of November of 2023.  We would be so grateful if you would consider donanting to our  project From Despair to Hope.  This project truly transforms the lives of children and youth who have suffered greatly from poverty, Hurricanes Maria and Fiona, earthquakes, the pandemic, family problems, and many who are facing the reality that they live in flood zones and may be forced to leave their communities.  We need your help to keep their hope shinning and to help them create a much brighter future..