One of many challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic has been how to keep children happy and learning during the extended lockdown.
In Peru, the arrival of COVID-19 coincided with the beginning of the school year, and during the first months of the pandemic, children were not allowed to leave their homes.
Today, more than six months since the pandemic hit, children are still at home. Schooling is available through the government program “I learn at home,” accessed via a government website or over television or radio. For many families, however, this kind of programming is not enough.
The pandemic is widening the gap in education between families with access to resources and those without. It is placing an even greater strain on parents who already face many obstacles.
That’s why Heart-Links partner Latidos is helping fill the gap with activities that run from wellness workshops with parents and children to arts and crafts to reading and storytelling. The program is part of the project Live and Travel with Words—financed by Heart-Links donors and readapted for COVID-19.
Latidos’ monthly storytelling contests have been a big hit. Contestants read and then reenact fables distributed by Latidos. The entries are uploaded to Facebook and voted on and, yes, there are prizes. But it looks likes these kids are having a great time whatever the outcome.
You can help Latidos and other Heart-Links partners continue to build literacy, develop leadership, care for our planet, empower women and girls and more—pandemic or no pandemic. Consider making a donation to Heart-Links today.