Program

Sixty-eight tremendous children and youth in Guatemala currently participate in Esperanza Juvenil’s programs. 

Residential Program

Esperanza Juvenil has four homes with staff who provide 50 children and youth with academic, emotional, physical and spiritual support year-round. The scholars live in family-like, residential homes grounded in values.  The majority of the scholars are in regular contact with their families through monthly weekend visits and regular phone calls.

At the primary level, the scholars attend the Esperanza Juvenil Elementary School while the middle and high school level Residential Scholars attend private schools in Guatemala City and receive four hours of tutoring and academic reinforcement at Esperanza Juvenil daily.

In addition to their school work, the scholars have many opportunities to open their minds to the world in which they live.  They receive art, music, dance, soccer and swimming classes. They go on campouts with their Scout troops, and are active members of the local churches. They take cultural and educational trips, have visits from local and international leaders and impact their community through volunteer work.

Elementary School

The Esperanza Juvenil Elemenatary School provides an excellent education to children from low-income families from 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday and on Saturday mornings.  The School is certified by the Guatemalan Ministry of Education.  The curriculum focuses on the fundamentals – math, reading, writing, science and history -- as well as computers, English and Mayan language classes.  We know that our scholars have to work hard to reach the university level as they have often not had the benefits of early education, nutrition or supportive home environments. The school is attended by the Residential Scholars as well as Esperanza Juvenil’s Day Scholars.

The Day Scholars are children who are in great need of a quality education and Esperanza Juvenil’s services but are able to live with their immediate families.  The Esperanza Juvenil van picks them up in Guatemala City’s Zone 1, downtown district and brings them to the school for classes, meals, snacks, medical care and mind-opening opportunities every day.  Currently, 15 children are participating as Day Scholars.

University Scholarships

Esperanza Juvenil strives to provide all of its children with the support they need to attend and succeed at the college level.  This year, three scholars entered the university.  While receiving Esperanza Juvenil college scholarships, they live in homes near the Esperanza Juvenil residential homes.  These university scholars provide tutoring, mentoring and administrative help to Esperanza Juvenil as a way to give back and role model for the younger scholars.

In Guatemala, 42% of the population is 14 years of age or younger (Instituto Nacional de Estadisticas de Guatemala).  Developing responsible young men and women is essential for the present and future of Guatemala!