In February, the Center celebrated its sixth year of working on Culebra. Throughout the years, the Center has become a sign of hope for many people and it has grown from our perseverance of being a presence of Christ among them. In our experience, it is very clear that the hand of God has guided us each step of the way, giving us security and pushing us to continue ahead.

Thanks to many generous donations, we received some wonderful new playground equipment in the first part of the year. The happiness, laughter and excitement of 50 young children going up and down the new slide, playing on the swings and monkey bars was wonderful to watch. For some, it was the first time in their life to play on swings and slides! The new equipment filled the Center with a joyous atmosphere that spread to us to all.

For two full weeks in June, 48 children between 6 and 12 enjoyed summer camp at the Center. Supported by grants and donations, the camp is free of charge and the children learn arts and crafts, sports activities, and more. Each year we pick a new important theme to teach the children. This year’s theme was “Learn as you Grow” - and this year’s theme was - Learn as you Grow -important lesson to help learn essential values such as: listening to your parents, how to forgive and forget, helping in the community and self-esteem. The children sang songs each day related to the theme and at the end of camp, they showed their skills by singing the new songs for their parents and the community.

For the second year in a row, eight girls between 8 and 12 have signed up for our sewing course offered every Saturday for twelve weeks. The children are very enthusiastic to have the opportunity to learn how to sew their own clothes. The program is run by a local volunteer who obtained the sewing machines through a program called “Kids can Sew.” She has been very helpful and eager to share her time and talents with the children of our island.

In August, we learned that we won a grant proposal from Microsoft Corporation, Puerto Rico for six loaded new computers including educational software and other add-ons for the children to use in our tutoring program. We also received a grant from the Sisters of Saint Joseph in California to help us to continue offering psychological services to our children, their families and to the community in general.

We are grateful to God for assisting us always as we minister to this portion of his chosen people. In our daily commitment we try to be faithful to our Mission Statement by preaching with our lives and teaching with our love that Our Father cares for each one of his children and wants to bring His reign to fulfillment among them.