About “Niños con Bendición”
“Children with Blessing” was created in 2006 by Lesbi Chavez and her husband Juventino (Tino) so children from impoverished families in San Antonio Aguas Calientes (20 min from Antigua) could receive a quality education, after-school support, and strengthen their cultural and family ties. Thanks to sponsors, the children are enrolled in local private schools during the day and with donations, receive a hot meal and after school support services.
Children in the program learn Mayan and Guatemalan folk dance for public performances, take music lessons, study together, share meals and experiences. This unique cultural and educational program empowers children to appreciate and transform their lives.
Support for the group comes from yearly school sponsorships, calendar sales, entrance fees from dance performances, donations and other fund raising endeavors. 100% of all donations and profits from the sale of goods go directly into the children’s general education fund.
Lesbi and Tino created this group out of their deep spiritual belief, coming, as they say, as a dream from God. Their dedication to the children is infectious, and many people from a diverse set of backgrounds now volunteer their time. Nancy Hoffman, in Guatemala, supports the group with English translations and as an organizer for their scholarship program in conjunction with “Her Star Scholars”, based in the U.S., which has 501(c)(3) status.
http://www.HerStarScholars.org ⋅ Her Star Scholars on Facebook
Currently, there are 17 children who range in age from 7–15 years old.
How You Can Help:
Sponsor a child to go to school: For yearly sponsorship, the specific sponsor (or sponsoring groups) are matched with a specific child and receives regular communication about the child - emails, photos and school updates. Ideally, sponsors support the child yearly to ensure that children complete their schooling. Current cost of US$300. for Primary School and US$450. for High School covers yearly school fees, books, supplies and uniforms.
Donate: 100% of all donations go directly to the children’s general fund to cover day-to-day expenses for the children, such as meals, extra school supplies, medical costs, clothing, music lessons, and more. No amount is too large or too small. The school year in Guatemala starts in January and ends in October, but funds are needed year round. Any amount donated ($5. - $500. +/-) is greatly appreciated ! : http://www.SupportLosNinos.net
Buy a calendar: Calendars make a great gift for family, friends, teachers, co-workers, or anyone on your list. Calendar orders can be made online at: http://www.SupportLosNinos.net
Attend a performance in Guatemala: If you plan to be in the Antigua area and would like to see the children perform, contact Nancy Hoffman to arrange a visit to their after school program in San Antonio Aguas Calientes includes tortilla making, weaving demonstration and experiencing a typical home.
Contact information:
For more information about the program, sponsorship, to schedule a presentation, make a donation, or to volunteer, please contact:
Nancy Hoffman (English): nancyinantigua@yahoo.com / tel: + (502) 5212-3943
Lesbi Chavez (español): childrenwithblessing@gmail.com / tel: + (502) 4303-7837
