Children & youth

Children Programs Guatemala Chispuditos Nutrition & Youth Development

Healthy development is physical, emotional, social, educational, and spiritual. Our programs meet children across those dimensions with consistency and joy.

Chispuditos Nutrition Program

Chispuditos provides monthly nutritional support to approximately 750 children across 13 communities. The program pairs supplements with regular height and weight monitoring so progress can be measured rather than assumed.

Measurements are compared with recognized growth standards, helping the team identify children who are gaining appropriately and those who may need additional attention. Family participation and consistent monthly follow-up are essential parts of the program.

Monthly nutritional supplements
Height and weight measurement
WHO-aligned growth monitoring
Follow-up for children at greater risk

Children celebrate together during an El Faro family program.

Exploradores Kids Bible Club

Exploradores has served children for more than 21 years. The Sunday program welcomes children ages four through twelve for Bible teaching, activities, relationships, and a consistent place to belong.

A reward store adds an element of encouragement and participation. The larger purpose is steady discipleship: helping children experience faith through trusted leaders who know their names and continue showing up.

An activity leader encourages children during a family field day.

Vacation Bible School

El Faro has hosted Vacation Bible School each December since 2006. The program brings together approximately 80 to 120 volunteers and reaches 600 to 900 children through teaching, music, games, crafts, meals, and celebration.

The scale of VBS requires months of planning, prepared volunteers, coordinated transportation, supplies, food, and local leadership. It is a large event built on relationships developed throughout the year.

Soccer Academy

The soccer academy operates Monday through Saturday, combining skill development, teamwork, physical activity, and biblical lessons. Coaches use a sport children already love to build discipline, confidence, friendship, and character.

Regular practice creates the consistency needed for mentoring. The value is not only what happens in a match, but the relationships formed between young people, coaches, families, and the wider ministry.

A child smiles with a family member during an El Faro gathering.

English classes

English classes meet twice each week. Students gain practice that can support school, work, tourism, ministry, and communication with visitors while building confidence through regular learning.

Classes are one part of a broader investment in opportunity. They complement other educational and youth programs rather than operating as a stand-alone activity.

Library and homework support

The community library opens twice each week with books, internet access, and help for children completing homework. For students with limited resources at home, access to a quiet place, reference materials, and a supportive adult can make a meaningful difference.

The library also creates another safe point of connection between children, families, and El Faro’s education team.

Children draw and learn together during an El Faro community program.

Investing in the whole child

Nutrition, faith, learning, recreation, and belonging are closely connected. El Faro’s children and youth programs are designed to reinforce one another so that a child is known through more than one need or activity.

Donations and volunteers help provide supplements, learning materials, sports equipment, VBS supplies, transportation, meals, and the consistent staff presence that keeps these programs active.

Your next step

Invest in a child’s next chapter.

Support nutrition, learning, and safe spaces for children to belong.

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