The founder of An Angel of Hope, Wualter, has benefited from adopting a healthy lifestyle. After a personal injury in 2017 during a mission in Guatemala, he started eating healthy and exercising consistently.
After experiencing the benefits being healthier, Wualter realized the people in schools served by the ministry need to grow aware on becoming healthier.
The Need Observed
Most of the children who attend the schools we serve only eat one meal at school. This the one and only meal they are served. And this is not enough. The portions are not adequate and the meals are not balanced. For example, teachers divide a total 3 pounds of chicken meat to serve to 85 students; this is not enough protein to support each child’s development. Also, one egg is divided and served to 4 students which not a proper serving size either. And while some children eat at home, we know these are not well balanced or adequately portioned meals.
This is why we are starting the Wellness Program because we believe its going to helped them in the long run.
Nutrition Program
The ministry has started making plans to build harvests in two of the schools we serve. The harvest will make it possible to grow vegetables. The produce will be used for feeding the students during the academic year.
In addition to the harvests, we’ve partnered with a nutritionist who will educate adults on proper nutrition for children. This is important because adults need to become better aware about the type of nutrition that supports the development of children, especially at earlier stages of development. The nutritionist will assist in teaching about portion size and well balanced meals.
We know that a child’s basic needs must be met in order for children to be able to focus and learn. This is why are taking initiative in helping children are provided with adequate nutrition while they attend school.
Exercise Program
We also understand that it is important for children to be active. This involves providing quality physical education. In order to accomplish this, we are partnering with a physical trainer to train a PE teacher on proper techniques.
The trainer will travel to Guatemala from Houston, Texas in order to spend time in person with the PE teacher. Together they will create a program to support the physical development of children in schools.
Getting Involved
If you wish to be a part of promoting wellness for the students in Guatemala, we ask that you pray first and foremost. We believe you can get clarity and direction about how you can best partner with us. Prayer is also a great way to support our work.
One of the ways to be a part of this wellness initiative, is through giving. Your donations will make these resources more readily available for the children. Your monetary contributions are used to make resources like supplies and equipment affordable for the schools we support.
We are currently in the planning phase. However, we look forward to kick start the programs in January 2021.