ANADESA
Breaking Cycles of Poverty Through Community-Based Education
ANADESA—Asociación Nuevo Amanecer Santiago Atitlán (Association of the New Dawn Santiago Atitlán)—offers education programs for children and adults.
Their goal is to build capacity in the local community through formal education for youth and practical education for adults enabling them to achieve self-sufficiency and lead healthy, happy, enriching, and fulfilling lives.
The Education Program supports children and adolescents in elementary and middle school through after-school programs that include tutoring, help with homework assignments, and computer literacy.
The Children’s Education Program gives after-school help with reading, writing, and mathematics for children in elementary school and adolescents in middle school. The program also offers extracurricular activities such as art, music, and recreation, as well as workshops in non-violence, hygiene, and environmental awareness as an alternative to the temptations of drug addiction and violence in the community.
ANADESA subsidizes its programs through volunteer and tourist services and artisan sales.
Their adult entrepreneurial program for women teaches jewelry-making, soap and shampoo production, and animal husbandry, and organizes food preparation for international visitors.
During monthly meetings, participants also talk about family violence, HIV/AIDS, food security, health, and hygiene.
ANADESA maintains a tree nursery and a large garden. Trees are planted to reduce the vulnerability of the communities to mudslides and to express their respect for the environment. ANADESA also encourages and mentors families to cultivate their own vegetable gardens.
“If I didn't receive support from ANADESA, my parents and I would have to work more than we do now to be able to make money to buy my school supplies.” Pedro, Second Grade.
"The previous years were more difficult, but we did not give up. We fought until we got to where we are now. Everything we have achieved has been thanks to the people who support us and encourage us whether they are near or far away". María Cristal, Vice President.
Mayra, the Coordinator of ANADESA, explains the need for investing in office furniture!