Santa Catarina Pinula Montessori
Santa Catarina Pinula is a municipality located within Guatemala City, Guatemala. The overall total population is 1.2 million of which 77,203 are between the ages of 3 and 6 years old (6%). The area is generally considered affluent and upper to upper middle class. That being said, between 45-65% percent of the urban population is considered to be living below the poverty line of $3.20 a day.
In 2008, Orphan Outreach set up a Guatemalan nonprofit (NGO) called Asociación Niñez con Futuro (ANIFU), in Guatemala to manage its programs and partnerships. In 2021, discussions began between ANIFU and the Mayor’s Office in the Municipality of Santa Catarina Pinula (MSCP) with the hope of designing and implementing a Montessori program for children, ages 3 to 6 years, from low-income and vulnerable families.
Because of ANIFU’s significant experience in the design, implementation, and management of Montessori classrooms in Chimaltenango and because the MSCP mandate stipulates the obligation to provide services and projects to promote community development and child/family welfare, ANIFU and MSCP partnered on this special initiative: “Pilot Project – Montessori in the Aldea Cuchilla del Carmen.”
Yensel in Guatemala
Gender: Male
Grade: Montessori
Yensel is an only child who lives with his mother, grandmother, and cousins in a home made of metal sheets. His mother stays home to care for the family, while his father works in a distant glass shop to provide for them. Those who know Yensel best describe him as kind, polite, caring, responsible, and friendly to everyone he meets. In his free time, Yensel enjoys playing with his cousins, playing ball, and learning new things. He has a particular passion for reading and writing, and our staff have observed significant growth in these areas. Though he faces the challenge of a stutter, Yensel perseveres and works diligently on his speech. He considers his bravest moment to be getting back on his feet after falling, even with others watching. Yensel draws his strength from the Lord, loves talking to God, asking for His protection for his family, and giving thanks for each new day. Please join us in prayer for Yensel's continued growth and well-being.
Sponsorship Code: GUSCPM-26083
Maydi in Guatemala
Gender: Female
Grade: Montessori
Maydi lives with her grandparents, who are also her foster parents, along with her older sister. Her grandfather works as a bricklayer to support the family, while her grandmother stays home to care for the children. Maydi's mother passed away at her birth, and her father chose not to be involved in her life. Those who know Maydi describe her as friendly, supportive, kind, and social. The bravest thing she's ever done is to hold back tears when she falls or gets hurt. In her free time, Maydi loves playing with her friends, going outside, and building with construction blocks. Her favorite subjects at the Montessori school are learning numbers and colors. Though she sometimes struggles with paying attention and following instructions, she has shown significant improvement and enjoys school. When Maydi talks to God, she prays for her friends, family, food, and her mother in heaven. Please join her in praying for these things, as well as her future and faith.
Sponsorship Code: GUSCPM-26084
Matias in Guatemala
Gender: Male
Grade: Montessori
Matias lives with his mother and older sister in a house made of metal sheets with cement floors, next to his grandfather's home. His mother works as a merchant to support the family. Matias is known for being loving, caring, playful, and talkative. Though he sometimes struggles with obedience, he is continually working on this skill. At school, Matias enjoys listening to music and learning his letters and colors. In his free time, he loves riding his bicycle, playing ball, and playing tag. His bravest moment was when he refrained from crying after a fall. When Matias talks to God, he prays for the protection of his uncles, aunts, and grandparents, and he thanks God for his health and home. Please join us in praying for Matias.
Sponsorship Code: GUSCPM-26085
Emma in Guatemala
Gender: Female
Grade: Montessori
Emma lives with her mother and four siblings in a wooden house. She joined the program after seeing her older sister participate. Those who know her describe her as shy but incredibly loving and sweet. Although Emma initially struggled to adapt to the routine, she is starting to get used to it and enjoys learning about animals, letters, and numbers. In her free time, Emma loves playing with toys, watching cartoons, and coloring pictures. Her bravest moment was when she went down a slide, which was a big achievement for her! Emma doesn't yet talk to God, but we would greatly appreciate it if you could join us in praying for her as she grows and learns.
Sponsorship Code: GUSCPM-26087
Carolinne in Guatemala
Gender: Female
Grade: Montessori
Carolinne lives with her mother, two siblings, and grandparents in a home made of concrete blocks and metal sheets. Her mother works as a housekeeper to support the family. Carolinne is known for her kindness, cheerfulness, and restlessness, bringing joy to those around her. In her free time, she loves singing, eating, and dancing. She is doing well at school and especially enjoys singing and coloring there. One challenge Carolinne faces is her dental health, which is not very good. Despite this, she considers her bravest moments to be her appointments, where she stays strong and doesn’t cry. Carolinne talks to God, asking Him to help with her health, her siblings' health, and to protect her mother and grandparents. Please join Carolinne in praying for these things and for her overall wellbeing.
Sponsorship Code: GUSCPM-26088