Usmara Torres has volunteered in Centro Nueva Creación for more than 13 years and every year is a joy. Her children Adriana Arce y Isaías Mercado were students in Centro themselves. She liked the safe environment and how everyone helped children be better in their classes.
However, being in Centro as a volunteer also means to be willing to face challenges and struggles. Torres knows this firsthand as she has had to be creative with activities for children after school.
In what year did you start volunteering in Centro?
I started volunteering in Centro 13 or 15 years ago. I found it because my little girl, who is an adult now, was having a hard time with her classes at the school Julia de Burgos. So, I saw Centro as an opportunity to help her and my other son to get their grades up.
Ever since you came, how has the workplace been? Have there been any challenges?
There have definitely been many challenges at Centro. I can’t lie to you, sometimes I don’t know how we do it. I wish other organizations would collaborate with us to give these children an even better experience.
Because we are small, but that does not mean we are not doing a good cause. We’re taking children off the streets to come to a safe place where they can learn and improve themselves.
And what is the role you are volunteering in?
Right now, I am supervising the teachers at Centro to make sure everything is going smoothly. And I also make sure that every child leaves with a family member.
Has there ever been a time where you haven’t had the resources you need to help children? Or a time where your own children have been affected by the lack of funds?
There have definitely been times where we don’t have resources to, you know, take children on trips or do great activities for them. But we do what we can to help. Right now, my son is in university and needs help to pay for his books, so he’s helping in Centro as much as he can.
How long has the lack of resources and funds been?
Specifically, I would say after summer. Those four months of August, September, October, and November are difficult to get through.
To be honest with you, I wish more organizations would collaborate with us. That way children would have more tools for their educational development and have more fun.
Have you ever had to contribute any of your financial earnings to Centro to help these children? Or any materials?
Personally, I haven’t had to contribute financially. I’ve seen some teachers in Centro contribute financially for materials for the children, though. But, I’ve had to organize selling events like the “empanadillas sale” we often do.
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