Redefining Community Development in Puerto Rico

Among the greatest achievements that we can highlight today is that in our programa Resplandece (Shine) we have a total enrollment of 73 participants, most of whom are children and adolescents. The RESPLANDECE program aims to impact the four protection factors (Individual, Family, School and Community) and thereby promote the development of individuals and communities. Through our program we seek to foster support structures in the families of the community that allow them to develop a desire to excel, entrepreneurship and resilience in the face of life.

Every day we receive children and adolescents from different communities in the Humacao region of southeastern Puerto Rico to provide them with academic reinforcement services, mentoring dynamics, workshops, recreational activities, and activities that promote socialization. We must highlight that the participants who have continued to receive services have shown a positive transformation in their self-esteem, socialization, and have greatly developed their leadership. Currently during the month of June, we are carrying out a summer camp where different recreational activities are carried out and that continue to promote values among the participants. Certainly, we must highlight as an achievement that most of the team that forms the program are graduates of the PECES Accredited Higher School and other programs of our organization. This team has stood out in its entirety for its commitment, dedication, courage, leadership and dedication; showing us with this example that adversities can be overcome. In particular, these stories show us that the work we do in PECES with the RESPLANDECE Program and other programs like this of our organization give excellent results and transform lives.