The Kermesse

For some time we have had a special activity at Hogares: La Gran Kermesse (The Grand Fair), that helps us acquire funds. This is involves a lot of people: the whole Hogares team, schools, and townspeople from Santa Apolonia and Tecpan(who generously gave us donations for our food stands). We sold ice cream, chocolate bananas, every type of sweet, and different types of food.

The 5th of September was a highly anticipated event for everyone, especially for the kids who came to play the wide array of games in order to win prizes.

Thanks to everyone of our friends who made this activity possible and thanks to the children of Los Hogares for all your hard work.

New Volunteer

Katie Mueller, from the United States, joined the team here at Hogares as a volunteer on the 25th of August. She is going through the intergration process while practicing Spanish; participating in different activities with the children and personnel. We are very grateful for Katie´s enthusiasm and decision, and we wish her luck in this new experience.

Welcome to Los Hogares.

Confirmation

On the 24th of August, 20 young men and women from Los Hogares received the sacrament of Confirmation in the church known as la Recolección in Guatemala City.
It was a simple ceremony, but very touching when the godparents shared with the young adults, who completed the one year process and made a lasting commitment to the Church.

At the Pool

This weekend, the kids transformed our large pila where we wash clothes into their own swimming pool. They swam and had a lot of fun in the cold water. The pila was full of water thanks to the constant rains we have been having.

The End of a Visit

Alvaro Monterde, a visitor from Madrid, was in Los Hogares for one month. During that time he worked with everyone in different activities and we are very grateful for all the support he offered the students in primary and secondary school. Although it was his first time visiting Guatemala, he really connected with the children; winning the admiration of everyone, especially the younger kids.

Thank you Alvero for sharing your gifts with the children of Los Hogares and we hope that you return soon.

Don Mario

Tuesday 02 September 2008

In addition to his work as a teacher in the shoemaking workshop, don Mario dedicates time to the maintenance of the new water purification system.

The Strawberry Harvest at Los Hogares

August 14th marked the beginning of the harvest in our strawberry field. It is a very exciting activity because the younger children have an opportunity to participate in the whole process, from the sowing to the selling of the strawberries.

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.