The Apopa and La Chacra communities in San Salvador, El Salvador face a lot of discrimination—they're often only associated with the high levels of gang presence and poverty rates. But the youth centers run by our partners, the Catholic Sisters, act as safe spaces for children, youth, and families. Sister Betty mentioned that very often, the youth come to the centers without having eaten at all that day. Sisters know full well the realities that these kids face, and they couldn’t stand idly by! So the Sisters, with the support of volunteers, gather ingredients and bring their kitchen utensils from their homes to prepare food to be shared. Tamales, pupusas, and sandwiches are some of these meals made with love! To say a big THANK YOU to the Sisters for always looking out for the young people, and their families, we got them new kitchen supplies and a microwave that will help with the preparation of the delicious meals at the youth centers! “No matter what, we always make sure that … [Read more...] about Meals Made with Love
Archives for December 2020
Thank you “Tienditas” !
El Salvador experienced five months of intense lockdown measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Since March, the easing of restrictions has been progressive and has had a huge impact on the economy—especially in the informal economy. Adding to the shock of the national lockdown and its ripple effects, limited resources, insecurity, and poor access to opportunities during quarantine have aggravated the existing gap among the most vulnerable communities. During these difficult times, the owners of “tienditas” (convenience stores within the communities) along with other local businesses and our partners the Catholic Sisters, created a support network for those families that most needed it, providing them food and essentials. Acting as a donation center, the tienditas gathered much-needed items and distributed them to those in the community who were lacking basic needs. They truly are heroes! Continuing this season's Thank-a-Thon, and in immense gratitude to the local … [Read more...] about Thank you “Tienditas” !
In Gratitude for Healthy Spaces
Today, we continue our Thank-a-Thon in El Salvador, where we first launched the Color Movement, our partnership with Catholic Sisters, in 2018. Many of the Sisters we work with run youth centers, places of respite and calm amidst often violent neighborhoods. But many of the centers have been shut down due to COVID-19. Reopening the youth centers is something that everyone wants—Sisters, young people, and parents alike. But it's also a big responsibility for the volunteers who expose their health and safety every day to show up for the youth They’re also role models, showing kids how to follow all the preventive measures and avoid the spread of COVID-19 inside these spaces. The volunteers have been preparing themselves to become a trustful source of information and promoters of everyone’s well-being. For today, we teamed up with the volunteers and mentors from the youth centers of Apopa and La Chacra communities in El Salvador to make sure that the youth centers have the tools … [Read more...] about In Gratitude for Healthy Spaces
A Feast of Gratitude
This year has been one for the books. What used to feel mundane is now complicated, what we took for granted now glaringly missing. It's been tough for all, but it's been especially challenging for people in vulnerable situations. … [Read more...] about A Feast of Gratitude
Responding For Ethiopian Families
Alight is supporting thousands with medical care and clean water Since November, the conflict in northern Ethiopia has been building. 2 million people are displaced within Ethiopia as a result of the crisis. And thousands of people have fled across the border into Sudan’s Gedaref and Kassala states. More than 60,000 Ethiopian refugees have arrived in Sudan as a result of this conflict. Alight has mobilized teams to respond to the crisis in Kassala and Gedaref in Sudan. And our team in Ethiopia is in position to ensure families have medical care, clean water, and shelter. … [Read more...] about Responding For Ethiopian Families
8 Reasons to Give Today
Colorful Walls, Bright Spirits
The patio at the migrant shelter La Casa de La Misericordia serves as a space to enjoy some time outside. Every afternoon, the patio is filled with renewed energy from its residents. Men, women, and children gather to play a basketball game or just have a nice conversation, enjoying each other's company. But everyone's joy doesn't match with the physical look of the place—all grays and browns and not bright at all. Murals are such a powerful way to communicate. So we wanted to contribute to transferring the hope, light, and courage that the residents represent through a colorful wall, painted and designed by the migrants themselves. And in the process, thank everyone for making the shelter such a welcoming place to be. It was such a delightful experience to see everyone united in painting! Now, their inner creativity and light is reflected where residents gather each day. “We had so much fun painting," said Sister Lika, who helps run the shelter. "Everyone wanted to … [Read more...] about Colorful Walls, Bright Spirits
Let’s Learn by Playing!
In their journey to a life with more opportunities, many migrant families need to make sacrifices. Unfortunately, one of those sacrifices is a disruption in education for kids—it's almost impossible to keep up with school when you're on the move. … [Read more...] about Let’s Learn by Playing!
Never Stop Learning
Education is always important—no matter the circumstance. For migrants waiting in this shelter in Nogales, Mexico, it's vital that their kids keep up with their education as they wait for next steps. We asked how we could help...and as part of our Thank-a-Thon this season, we're showing both residents and teachers at the shelter appreciation for everything they do to prepare their youngest residents for the future! Notebooks, flashcards, pencils, and art supplies for the classroom. These items will keep children learning—and teachers stocked up on supplies—during their time at the shelter. The brightly colored boxes now fill the shelves, ready to be put to good use. Here’s to the next generation of brilliant minds that will change the world! … [Read more...] about Never Stop Learning