EDELAC (School of the Street)

EDELAC runs an outreach program, a school, a foster home program, and a shelter, but it may be most interesting for its fund raising techniques. It is largely funded by Quetzaltrekkers, an adventure company that runs trips for tourists in Guatemala, but directs all of its profits to EDELAC. Quetzaltrekkers also sponsors fundraising dinners and parties weekly, advertized in Spanish schools and hotels, where the money, once again, goes to charity (these are quite popular; perhaps 35 people attended dinner when I was there).

Guadelupe Pos and Miguel Quiroa fouded EDELAC in 1995 with Michael Shorr, an American, to provide direct services to children on the street: food, clothing, and medicine. Soon they opened a shelter for addicts, but its closed door policy was unsuccessful, and funding from abroad dried up; Quetzaltrekkers stepped in to provide money.

In addition to the typical services provided in shelters, EDELAC also utilizes Quetzaltrekkers to teach the children how to be wilderness guides. Children regularly go on trips with the Quetzaltrekkers guides.

EDELAC serves some 55 children: 10 in the shelter, 24 in a school based program, 12 in foster care, and 10 on the street. It has 8 staff and generally two volunteers. Programs include drug rehab, psych services, education, case management, lifeskills, meals, and aftercare. Most children enter the program before 15 (some exceptions) and they may stay until 18. Intake is a carefull process, but children gradually learn the rules and norms of the community. Discipline is generally not a problem, though children may be suspended. All of the children are of Maya descent.

Contactos: Guadelupe Pos (male)(director of shelter), Miguel Quiroa (director of school)
asoedelac@xela.net.gt
761 1521
Hogar Abierto
23 Avenida A 2-36 Zona 1
Quetzaltenango
Guatemala