Safe Passage is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization working in Guatemala City to bring hope, education, and opportunity to the children and families living in extreme poverty around the City's garbage dump. Our program includes approximately 550 children, ranging in age from 2 to 21 years, coming from nearly 300 families in the surrounding neighborhoods. Safe Passage pays for all of the costs associated with attending public school for the children living around the garbage dump. Students attend their regul
...ar school for half the day and spend the other half at Safe Passage's buildings. While at Safe Passage our students receive two meals, vitamins, homework help, sports class, English classes, library time, creative expression classes, etc. to complement the education they receive at school. Safe Passage also provides basic medical services through its clinic. Additionally, seven Guatemalan social workers and three psychologists work with all of our students regularly to help ensure their success. In addition to the educational reinforcement center program that serves around 500 children ages 6 to 21, Safe Passage also has a full-day preschool program, 'the escuelita.' The escuelita serves four meals a day and encourages our littlest learners to learn through play in a safe environment! Last, but not least, Safe Passage also strives to educate interested mothers and fathers of our students. Currently more than 50 mothers and 10 fathers attend regular adult literacy classes. 30 of these mothers have also started their own recycled jewelry company called CREAMOS. These 30 women no longer work in the garbage dump. Please visit www.safepassage.org for more information, or ask us: [email protected]! We hope to see you on race day!