According to the census of the Department of Education 2019-2020, in seven (7) schools in Aguadilla, from Kindergarten to Twelfth grade, fifty-one (51) students stopped attending school. While the Youth Development Institute published on October 16, 2019, that six (6) out of ten (10) children live in poverty in Puerto Rico. Where they stated that, 75% of children between 5 and 17 years old, live-in poverty.

The situation and current reality become an incentive for action. Casa Juan Bosco, with its “Free Time;

Time to Grow ” program is placed in the middle of this town to support the development and healthy growth of these most disadvantaged children with an educational-preventive proposal that bears the endorsement of the “San Juan Bosco Preventive System.” We offer an educational and family environment in healthy, respectful, and joyful coexistence, the accompaniment of the minor and their parents in various areas, and with multiple intervention resources. We are convinced that these children can break the cycle of depression in which their lives unfold if they have a “helping hand” to cling to, an “extended family” to lean on, educators full of humanity to whom ” the person matters. ”

We are the only institution in Aguadilla that offers these services -free of costs- to children. Participants are offered motivation and encouragement to achieve their goals and individual accompaniment for homework and skills reinforcement. In addition, looking at their integral development, training in values, art, sports, the use of technology, recreational group activities in contact with nature while promoting and cultivating a sense of solidarity, peace, and joyful coexistence.

Participants are offered food in the afternoon and provided with the necessary school supplies, given their economic shortage. Parentsare accompanied in their parenting responsibility with group workshops, psychological referrals, individual dialogue, and interventions.

We are proud to maintain a collaborative network with other institutions that seek the wellbeing of families since it is a task that goes beyond our confines. Among these are: Universidad Interamericana, PR Dept. of Education, Clinic of Psychological Services Univ. Interamericana, UPR Dept. of Education and others.