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Project Profile

Mount Sinai Comprehensive Support Program for Children

ACEBG’s program supports disadvantaged children in rural Guatemala by reinforcing their education and developing students intellectually, spiritually, and physically. Support this project through financial contributions and prayer. 

Cause:

Location

Field Staff:

Local Partner:

Asociación Convención Evangélica Bautista de Guatemala (ACEBG)

The Situation

In Guatemala, malnutrition impacts 66% of children in the lowest income bracket. Before COVID-19, 85% of the population was estimated to be poor, or vulnerable to poverty. For many families in Chiquimula, financial pressure and other challenges lead to children entering the agricultural labour force, the main source of income for locals, at a young age. Families of disadvantaged children often consist of a single mother providing for her children, and parents that have not received primary education themselves. As a result of poverty and difficulties in school, dropout rates for elementary school are high. To encourage families to keep children in school and to succeed, ACEBG, in partnership with CBM, extends tutoring and educational materials to children from impoverished families. The program is concerned with holistic development; participants are fed lunches and are given spiritual guidance that instils purpose, offers hope and prevents destructive behaviours. 

The family also received support in construction materials such as plaster and cement for the renovation of their home, thus avoiding the proliferation of the vinchuca in their home due to Chagas disease. Through the project, a small garden was also provided to improve the family’s diet, which Damiana uses to supplement her goat raising.

ACEBG’s program supports disadvantaged children in rural Guatemala by reinforcing their education and developing students intellectually, spiritually, and physically. Support this project through financial contributions and prayer. 

The Situation

In Guatemala, malnutrition impacts 66 percent of children in the lowest income bracket. Before COVID-19, 85 percent of the population was estimated to be poor, or vulnerable to poverty. For many families in Chiquimula financial pressure and other challenges lead to children at a young age entering the agricultural labour force, the main source of income for locals in Chiquimula. Families of disadvantaged children often consist of a single mother providing for her children, and parents that have not received primary education themselves. As a result of poverty and difficulties in school, dropout rates for elementary school are high. To encourage families to keep children in school and for school success ACEBG, in partnership with CBM, extends tutoring and educational materials to children from impoverished families. The program is concerned with wholistic development; participants are fed lunches and are given spiritual guidance that instills purpose, offers hope, and prevents destructive behaviours. 

How We Are Helping

ACEBG holistically approaches the educational support of disadvantaged families by providing many services:  

Tutoring & Educational Materials

Children receive tutoring and homework help to encourage them to complete their education and gain problemsolving skills. Christian principles are introduced and help guide the children and offer them purpose and hope. 

Parent Workshops

Parents of participants are supported by receiving bimonthly workshops. 

Addressing Health Needs

Medical consultation of the children is provided, and lunch is given numerous days of the week. 

The Impact of Our Work

Elias and Maritza have five children and live in a small village. Each growing season, they sow corn and beans, but they can produce only enough to feed themselves. They do not have enough to sell for income, and they are dependent on the weather for their crops to succeedWithin their village, there is a school with a teacher who instructs all six grades. Two of his sons are in the Mount Sinai comprehensive support program, and one of his daughters helps to cook for the program. Elías and Maritza attend the parents’ meetings. Elías said: “The program is very important to me and my family because of what the children receive. I have never seen a program like this that both teaches and feeds children. Mkids have eaten foods and fruits that I could not give them, such as meals with meat and apples, which my children had never eaten before. Also, during the pandemic they are not receiving classes at school and this program is helping them to continue their learning.” 

“The level of malnutrition of my children has decreased. In their education, they have improved their handwriting and have learned new things. Despite the pandemic they continue their studies and that helps them not to be behind in their classes. Even my daughter who helps with cooking has learned to make more meals.” 
“Kids who attend this program are improving their learning skills and are motivated to reach their goals. They have improved their handwriting and the dropout rate has significantly decreased. Parents are interested in their children’s education and the students benefit from receiving food, education and nutritional supplements.

ACEBG Staff