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After-school program in Arequipa, Peru Accompanying and supporting children after school is one of hundreds of ways in which Medical Mission Sisters around the world try to be a healing presence to those in need today. Sister Cathy Ouellette has been working with a women’s organization in El Salvador, one of the new villages surrounding Arequipa, Peru, for the past six years. She recalls, “While listening to the concerns of the women, we were made aware of the need of the children for some accompaniment in the time after school. Due to the socio-economic survival situation, both parents are obliged to work long hours to provide for the family, often arriving home when the children are asleep. This has limited the contact between parents and children, leading to low school achievement and early school desertion, with disintegration of family life, lack of emotional support, and increasing violence among the children.” The group launched a pilot project to respond to the children’s need for after school companionship and support. The project was designed to reinforce their basic primary education. Sister Cathy explains, “Besides helping the children with their homework, we are working towards integrating Christian values, non-violence, positive social conduct, and a space for recreational activities as part of the program.”
For the past three years, volunteers from the Catholic University have joined with local volunteers to assist the children from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. They help the young students with their homework, listen to them and befriend them. Sister Cathy reflects, “The children experience the presence of the volunteers as persons in whom they have confidence, and do not feel alone.”
“We have noted changes in the attitudes and behavior of the children, as well as improvement in their school grades, a sense of belonging, and a safe environment which gives confidence and friendship among the participants,” Sister adds.
The program has expanded into two villages, and Sister Cathy hopes to expand into a third village this year. “There is still a long way to go, but with the collaboration of the parents and local community, we can look for ways of resolving the problems which put children at risk, and hope that the program will lead to a healthier, happier family life.”
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