At first, there wasn’t enough space.
Children in the community wanted to be part of what was happening in the education program. They longed for a place to learn and play, to be known. They didn’t all require additional educational support, which meant space in programming was reserved for those who needed it most.
Today, once a month, the doors open wider.
Kids Club was born as a simple response. One Saturday each month, any child in the community, whether part of the education program or not, is welcome at the Community Center. There, they were greeted with space to gather, learn about Jesus, and belong.
Fourteen children showed up that first Saturday, curious and energetic, unsure of what to expect. They came back the following month and brought friends with them.
Nearly 30 children filled the space each month. The room grew louder and fuller, alive with movement. They worshiped and danced together, learned and repeated memory verses, and kept their hands busy with crafts and snacks.
It became more than a monthly event; it became a place where children knew they would be welcomed.
Volunteers from churches and universities in Santiago stepped in, not just to help, but to lead. They prepared games, taught songs, guided activities, and invested in the children with consistency and care.
After one recent Kids Club, staff gathered with the volunteers and asked a simple question: “What would you change? What do you want to see grow?”
The response was immediate – ideas and feedback poured out. They were taking ownership of this space, shaping what it could become. This is the power of local and international investment: children are given space to simply be children.
And that is where restoration begins.
