"One year after the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic, progress has receded in virtually all major childhood indicators" in and around La Piedra. Numerous experts have noted that, "The number of children who are hungry, isolated, abused, anxious, and living in poverty” is growing rapidly, “and there are many more youths who are forced to leave their homes and marry, most of whom are young women who have to marry men who are very old. At the same time, residents’ access to education, socialization, and some essential services such as health, nutrition, and protection has decreased. The signs that children will suffer the worst consequences of the pandemic for years to come are unmistakable."

 

We at the Guanin Foundation in La Piedra had to close our doors due to lack of economic resources. More than 365 children have been left without the Early Childhood Program, and more than 250 families who received support from the Good Parenting Program have been left out for lack of funds.

 

Here's how the COVID-19 Pandemic has affected children and the wider La Piedra community, and how we believe we must proceed to rectify the situation: Children must be at the forefront of recovery efforts. “To do this, schools must be prioritized in reopening plans. This means providing social protection, health, food, education, and more. And it also means providing essential services to the most vulnerable children. Only then can we avoid a lost generation.”  Clearly, ”our community needs a helping hand.”