Bendición de Dios Association

Asociación Bendición de Dios was founded on July 15th, 2002 by Julio García González with the support of a Dutch foundation. The association is situated in San Juan Alotenango, 20 minutes from Antigua Guatemala.

The purpose of the program is to ensure that poor children have the opportunity to complete their primary education.

The project includes a Pre-School, Elementary School, High School, outdoor sports, family market, and library, which is accessible for all people from the community. Asociación Bendición de Dios also offers education to adults and a nutritional snack to the children during their break. Every Saturday morning a group of 12 children receive classes (such as reading, writing, math, language, etc.). All programs of this project are recognized by the Ministry of Education.

Every month there is a meeting for mothers to discuss issues such as health, nutrition, and hygiene. Families have learned that these issues are important to the well being of their families and has is separate from their poverty.

Currently, the Asociación Bendición de Dios serves about 300 children between 6 and 16 years of age from 175 families. The program also serves adults who receive educational classes.

Volunteers are needed for the following activities: assisting students with their homework, recreation activities, handcrafts, auxiliary teachers in Pre-School and Elementary school (minimum 2 months), High School (minimum 1 month) and general assistance for the group on Saturdays (minimum 4 Saturdays), help in construction. In addition, you can help look for donations, contacts, other exchanges, (etc.) (minimum 6 months). No experience is required for these positions. The schedule is from 8am-12:30pm and/or from 2-5pm. If you want to participate in this project, you need to do the following: attend the weekly Monday tour to sign up to volunteer and have some prior knowledge of Spanish. If you wish to work with the Pre-School or Elementary School students, you will need a higher speaking level of Spanish. People with tattoos are not accepted. Groups do not have to commit long-term, working as little as 1 to 2 days.

A lot of medical support is needed for the children and their families. The project is connected with the “Centro de Salud” (Health Center).

If you wish, you can donate learning aids, food, clothes, shoes, money; but any donation is appreciated. Asociación Bendición de Dios will be grateful for your help.