Early Childhood Program
The early childhood program was started in August 2004 to include some of the youngest and most vulnerable children in the environs of the Guatemala City dump with a secure, stimulating and caring environment. This program serves children 2 and 3 years old, enhancing their health and their school readiness, and ensuring the well-being of these children while their parents work.
The children attend the early childhood program from 9am-3pm. Guatemalan staff and volunteers teach the children through fun interactive activities, singing, dancing and art, as well as provide the children with a daily meal, two snacks, milk and a vitamin!
Safe Passage’s early childhood program currently serves thirty-five children and will be enrolling sixty new children in January 2007. Safe Passage also recognizes the importance of developing a relationship with the mothers and engaging them in their children’s development, growth and progress. Each mother collaborates by giving time each month to help out at the early intervention program. This allows the mothers to feel a part of their child’s success and to understand the ways in which they too can stimulate their child’s development at an early age.
In only two years, we have seen incredible differences when the children in the program begin their education in their early years. Our children are already reciting their numbers, colors, ABC’s and even speaking basic English phrases!
