Centro de Apoyo Familiar (La Guarderia)

I have been volunteering at Pop Wuj's Centro de Apoyo Familiar (Family Support Center aka La Guarderia) in Llanos del Pinal off and on for several years. Llanos del Pinal is a rural village outside of Xela--near the Santa Maria volcano. I have been both a regular volunteer and the coordinator.

Pop Wuj students are invited to volunteer any day of the week, but the school's official visit is Thursday afternoon. Non-Pop Wuj volunteers are welcome, but a minimum time commitment of 1 month is required.

The Center serves approximately 40 children and youth (ages 2-18), providing a hot lunch, snack, and educational support Monday-Friday. Most children arrive around 1pm (after school) for lunch and then settle in for homework and other activities. Volunteers can help with homework or coordinate other activities. Reading activities, puzzles, and handicrafts/arts are popular as well as playing outside. The site is open from 9-5pm with the busiest hours being 1-5pm.