What We Do

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EDUCATIONAL DISCUSSIONS “CHARLAS”

The Situation before A Mother’s Wish

When we arrived, no one would take anti-parasite medicine during the month of May. They believed that if they did, worms would come out your nose.

Our Solution

Through our educational talks or “charlas”, we have explained what parasites are, how they enter and how to treat them. Also, we have identified nutritional needs for children, nutritional needs for pregnant women, osteoporosis, scabies, sexual education and civics.

The Cost/Benefit

Our community residents are much better educated in health issues that they face daily. Each “charla” costs approximately US$30 for food and gifts.

 

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COMPUTER TRAINING FOR THE COMMUNITY

The Situation before A Mother’s Wish

Civilization has moved past the Agricultural Era, is closing the Industrial Era and entering the Electronic Era. Computers, the Internet, cell phones and iPods can overcome the geographical separation that exists for the poor, rural communities and allow them to join an electronic community for communication, work and relaxation from their homes – if they have the skills to use these tools.

Our Solution

The Foundation has received five laptop computers (through Laura Bonacore and Jordan Shapiro) and will continue to accept donations. With donated computers, volunteers, and assistance from a Government program, INFOTEP (which provides technical training for free), the foundation will continue to provide free computer training.

The Cost/Benefit

During the summer of 2008, Pequeños Pasitos hosted four 60-hour classes taught by INFOTEP, the government agency responsible for technical vocation training. Each class had 14 students and they were taught computer basics, Word and Excel.  The cost of the classes was four cakes for celebration of graduation.

How you can help
We will need more computers, help with curriculum, and volunteer teachers.

 

 

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FUTURE INITIATIVE: The Young Women’s Club House                   

The Current Situation

The Young Women’s Club, LOGXCEST, has been in operation for two years and has made a profound impact on the members of the Club, increasing their self-esteem and providing a vision for their future.

The Plan

Currently, LOGXCEST meets once per week in the clinic after hours. To allow the group to move to the next level, we need to provide a location that will be available daily for use by Club members for studying, training and relaxation.

The Goal

Our goal is to build or buy a structure that can support multiple functions and provide a level of security. The Club House would be supervised by local Foundation staff and cleaned daily. We expect the young women to use the space to complete homework assignments, study and build study groups to increase the performance of all of its members.

How you can help

The Foundation has identified costs of US$120,000 to build and furnish the House with on-going expenses of US$4,000 annually.

 

 

FREE PRE-SCHOOL EDUCATION - The Lynn Barta Academy

The Situation before A Mother’s Wish

The average student in this region does not advance past the 6th grade.  The lunch provided to those who do attend school, is often the student’s first meal of the day.

Our Solution

The Lynn Barta Academy provides a safe, nurturing environment and developmentally appropriate activities and assessments to help children reach their full potential.  By fostering appropriate interactions and respect for staff and classmates, children will develop skills to make friends, solve conflicts, and function in a group. Each day begins with a nutritious meal.

The Cost/Benefit

The goal is two-fold:  First, to provide a love of learning that will carry our children through secondary school. It has been shown that attendance in preschool increases the possibility of the child completing secondary school by as much as thirty-nine percent. Second, to provide the children a model of discipline and problem resolution without violence. 

Copyright 2008. A Mother’s Wish. All rights reserved.