As a new training strategy for children, we’ve been implementing fabric embroidery classes since January. At first, we were hesitant about acceptance, but it’s been a pleasant surprise to see how enthusiastic the kids are about this craft. Ultimately, our goal is to provide them with tools that could provide opportunities for self-improvement and financial support.
Throughout the year, we hold weekly yoga classes in both homes (Casa Karah and Casa Maren) to provide the children with a space to relax and strengthen body and mind. Although some kids are shy at first, unsure if they’ll be able to perform the poses and remain still, they are ultimately happy to accept the challenge and have fun with their classmates.
We know that the teenagers in our foundation need to develop skills that can open doors to future employment opportunities, which is why we’ve been offering barbering classes since March. In previous years, we’ve offered training of this sort, and it’s a great joy to know that approximately 30% of the alumni are now working in this trade (and earning decent wages) as adults.
In our community, we are committed to protecting children and adolescents. Guided by the motto: “We say NO to the commercial sexual exploitation of children and adolescents,” every member of the Poder Joven foundation marched through the city center to raise awareness about the urgent need to safeguard childhood and eradicate abuse and exploitation once and for all.
During the month of May we held a workshop for teenagers called “Visualizing our future.” The objective of this activity was to help the children understand the importance of setting relevant goals in life, and then create a plan of specific actions/decisions they must carry out daily towards that goal. Furthermore, we invited the kids to become aware of unhelpful habits that could divert them from their plans.