The brightly-colored nurseries supported by International Samaritan gleam in sharp contrast to the filthy, hopeless landscapes around them. Prior to the nurseries, mothers typically strap their babies on their backs while scavenging through refuse. Now, they have a safe and wholesome place to leave their small children while working in the landfill.
Q: Where are International Samaritan nurseries located?
International Samaritan has built and continues to support various nursery programs:
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Santa Clara Nursery: In operation for more than a decade, the Santa Clara Nursery at the Guatemala City garbage dump provides quality care and nutritious meals to hundreds of babies and toddlers.
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Precious Angels Nursery: Inspired by the life-transforming success of the Guatemala City nursery, International Samaritan built the Precious Angels Nursery & Community Center in Santa Ana, El Salvador in 2002. This multi-use facility serves a garbage dump community of approximately 5,000 people.
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St. Ignatius Nursery: Located in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, this facility helps protect children from the dangerous hazards at the dump, providing nutrition and education services while parents work at the landfill.
Q: What difference does it make if a child goes to a nursery instead of going to the dump?
While their parents work in the dump, children who go to the nursery can learn and play with other children instead of being exposed to the filth of the landfill. In the nursery, children do not inhale the smoke causing lung diseases, do not suffer child molestation or bites from fleas and rats, and are not at risk for life-threatening injuries from bulldozers and trucks. They also are prepared for attending school and given the nutrition necessary for healthy development.
By the end of 2010, International Samaritan will have provided more than 2.2 million days of care to children in the nurturing environment of our nurseries
Q. What plans does International Samaritan have to improve these nurseries?
The need for care exceeds our current capacities; the Santa Clara and St. Ignatius nurseries are both in need of new roofs as well as additional space to expand their enrollment.
If you would like to donate to these projects, please contact I.S. Executive Director Oscar Dussán at 734-222-0701 or odussan@intsamaritan.org.