Only A Child maintains a shelter and a carpentry shop
for youth in Guatemala City, but the shelter is far more
than just a place to sleep. George Leger says it provides
a surrogate family in which the kids are taught
accountability and responsibility...

They must contribute time and effort daily toward
meeting the needs of the family. In return, it gives them
something to belong to, a place where they are
respected and cared for, a place where they can grow
and develop an identity complete with confidence and
self-esteem.

The project now houses 10-12 young adults. All of them
work, and many of them work in Only A Child's carpentry
shop.To further complete their preparation, and maximize
their chances to leave the streets once and for all,
Only A Child sends its program participants to
high-quality inpependent schools. This represents for
many, the chance to realize a life-long dream, "to fill a
desk at school," and one day become someone.

The carpentry shop, where program participants produce
finely crafted cedar boxes, serves a higher purpose.
The youngsters who work in the shop produce objects of
real beauty, helping to support the program that nurtures
them. By working to craft a skill, they learn that they are
capable of succeeding in life, once given the opportunity.
With time they are able to see themselves in a different
light, as valued and productive members of their society.

To view the cedar boxes
from the carpentry shop
Click Here