viernes, 24 de octubre de 2008

Welcome to the Los Hogares Blog!


Welcome to the official blog of Hogares Santa Maria de Guadalupe (Los Hogares). This blog is created to keep friends and family of the orphanage up to date on the happenings here. Los Hogares was started by the School Sister’s of Saint Francis at the end of Guatemala’s 36 year Civil War. During the war the Guatemalan sisters became refugees in Mexico. On their return, they knew of many war victims, especially Mayan Indian widows and orphans. The sisters opened the orphanage in 1985.
Los Hogares is a home for children who have been orphaned, abandoned or are victims of violence. Fifteen children live in each of the simple homes, cared for by sisters or foster mothers called Tias (Spanish for aunt). Together with volunteers, the staff provide for the spiritual, physical, social and academic needs of the children until they are 18 years old. Beside the 87 children presently cared for by the Homes, there are 103 “alums.” With the help of many good people they were prepared for their future before they left. All had finished primary school, 40% had completed high school, and 25% received post secondary education. The children study primary (1-6) and secondary (7-9) in the town school. They also learn vocational skills in the workshops at Los Hogares: carpentry, sewing, shoemaking, gardening and agriculture. These workshops provide for the clothing, shoes and furniture needs of the orphanage. The children also help raise some of their own daily food: vegetables, corn for tortillas, laying hens and pigs.Los Hogares is an incredible place and we are proud to share with you our lives here.

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