OUR PROGRAMS

Despite the fact that most primary school students were able to complete their course work with our help, and all students who enrolled in public school in 2020 were automatically promoted to the next grade, there was clear evidence that their learning was negatively impacted by Covid-19. These community experiences and underlying barriers of language and social class prompted Sueños to take over the role of school in 2021, providing education directly to students and families.

Read our 2020 Annual Report

Read our 2021 Annual Snapshot Report

Read our 2022 Annual Report

Read our 2023 Annual Report

​Education Programs

​We currently have two main education programs:

​Preschool Education Program

• This program targets students ages 4-6, with class size maintained at 10-15 students
• The curriculum will focus on early literacy skills, critical thinking, and self esteem, though community-centered learning, in accordance with Sueños´ strategic goals (2020-2022).
• The program accepts students who have demonstrated commitment to Sueños programs and a need for quality education based on the family's financial situation and geographical location.

​Elementary Education Program

• This program is for students ages 7-12 in Grades 1 through 5, with a class size of 10-15 students.
• The curriculum is based on the Guatemalan National Curriculum and run through ISEA, a local homeschool program certified by the Guatemalan Ministry of Education.
• In addition to covering the material of the National Curriculum through subjects from social studies, language, to maths and English, there is a focus on literacy skills, critical thinking, and self esteem, though community-centered learning, in accordance with Sueños´ strategic goals (2020-2022).
• Students will be tested through projects and other coursework assessment, receiving a certification at the end of the year.

​Social Support Programs

Sueños understands that there are many underlying issues within our community, and aim to support families to the best of our ability and act as a reference point if needed.

​Parent Workshops
As Sueños shifts from an after school to full day model parents will save on the costs of public school education such as enrollment fees, uniforms, school supplies and books. In turn, parents are required to participate in monthly activities and workshops in order for their children to be successful. These workshops focus on sharing important information about health and safety, while also discussing the same topics that students do in their classes. Community issues such as alcoholism, domestic violence and discrimination, are also discussed, alongside Sueños staff members, so that every stakeholder is part of the conversation. Every workshop is delivered bilingually in Spanish and Kiche, so all present can understand in their own language.

​Therapy
Since November 2020 Sueños has been working with a licensed psychologist to provide therapy to our community and staff. These sessions are varied between individual, family and group therapy sessions that aim to address trauma and violence, while discussing prominent topics like emotional intelligence and sexual education. Translators are available for each therapy session.

Nutrition​
Guatemala has one of the worst child malnutrition rates in the world, with almost one million children under the age of five suffering from chronic malnutrition (World Bank, 2019). Nutrition is a crucial area of need within the Sueños community, who have historically had low access to sources of nutritional food. Every student in attendance at Sueños receives two meals a day, breakfast and lunch, usually consisting of fruits and vegetables, as well as meat, beans, eggs and other sources of iron and protein. These two meals are crucial in getting high sources of nutrients to our students and ensuring they have the tools they need to learn and grow in the classroom.

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