Hogar de Vida Guatemala is located in San Andres, Sajcabaja, in the mountains of Guatemala five hours northeast of Guatemala City. The population of the town itself is about 3,000, but a full 60,000 people live in villages of the surrounding mountains. The region is poor and life is about survival, so many have no education. Because of these factors and others, most parents do not stimulate, teach or interact with their preschool children. Unlike most North American homes, a preschooler's home has no books or toys strewn on the floor.
God has placed children in our care at Hogar de Vida to receive love and nurture that they otherwise would not receive. Part of caring for them is stimulating them at a young age to learn. We recently implemented a more structured schedule for the six preschool children who are too young to attend the public preschool in town. It has been exciting to see them respond to the learning opportunities and watch as their love for learning develops.
Mornings begin with a time of devotions, singing, putting a date on the calendar and reading books. The Childhood Literacy and Books program recently implemented is a huge asset to the preschool program. Following morning devotions, the kids participate in a variety of activities that involve both fine and gross motor skills and theme centered activities. Several times a week, we do some kind of field trip like a trip to the town pool or a trek down the hill to the Hogar de Vida soccer field.
The kids love to learn, and they are learning so much that they love to share their newfound knowledge with others. And a side benefit for the staff, it seems that adding mental activity to their physical activity makes them even more tired, so they all sleep well!
Praise the Lord for these little people He has put in our care. We pray that they increase in the knowledge of their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who died for their sins, so they can have a personal relationship with their Heavenly Father who loves them more than they can think or imagine.
