Claret Emergency Shelter
In Medellín, there are more street kids than can be served by extant programs. The city of Medellín contracted Claret to provide beds and food for some 90 kids. It reminds one of large American shelters for street kids, but it has the virtue of serving both girls and kids from 15-18 years old, who would otherwise receive no services.
Each evening, kids arrive at the building at 5 PM -- girls first, then boys. Girls live on the top floor, boys on the lower two. All kids are searched for weapons and drugs -- though they can enter high, they cannot bring drugs inside. All must bathe, because the program has found that a cold shower cools down the anger of the street.
At night, kids eat dinner and then enter informal, open workshops -- casual because the kids are getting over the effects of glue and not able to think very clearly. Because there are 90 kids and 3 staff, peer pressure is vital to maintain discipline.
9:30-6AM is lights out, then another shower and cleaning brigades (the shelter is impressively clean). After breakfast and a prayer, kids participate in more intensive workshops, this time schoolwork, sex and relationships, drugs, etc.
At 9:30 AM, kids leave for the street, and may not return again until 5PM. This schedule is strict.
Hogar de Acogida Claret
Yakima Kuan Duque, Directora
57 4 513 8808
ykd37@hotmail.com
