A Week in the Life of Cadaniño

There is no question that lives are changed at Cadaniño.

But the impact we see doesn’t happen by accident. The academic progress, spiritual growth, and emerging leadership in our students are the result of a carefully structured, deeply relational weekly rhythm that repeats itself with purpose and consistency.

It’s the day-in and day-out work of Cadaniños local and loving caregivers who faithfully meet students' needs, assist them with their education, and provide learning opportunities that help them succeed in a fun, faith-filled environment where they can build lasting relationships and make the most of the skills, gifts, talents, and abilities God has given them.

The following is a snapshot of a typical week that offers a clear picture of what life looks like inside a Cadaniño Community Impact Center, and how consistency, care, and intentionality come together to support children, youth, and families in ways that enable them to thrive.

Monday: Grounded and Prepared

Monday mornings begin with the Cadaniño team gathering for staff devotions and prayer, committing the week to God’s hands. This is followed by a team meeting, where challenges are discussed, and wins are celebrated. The remainder of the morning is dedicated to class planning and preparation, ensuring teachers are ready to serve students well.

By midday, students begin arriving from school. The first hour is devoted to lunch and connection, with a hot meal, time to talk with friends, and board games that help students relax and feel welcome. It’s also when students who need help with their homework can receive extra assistance.

In the afternoon, groups 1 and 2, who attend Mon/Wed/Fri, rotate through Bible and computer classes. Younger children begin in Bible class, while youth start in computer class; they then switch so each group receives focused age-appropriate instruction. Bible lessons introduce the week’s theme, laying a foundation rooted in God’s Word, while computer classes build practical digital skills that support academic growth and future opportunity.

The day concludes with our academic reinforcement program, where students receive targeted help in weak areas, especially math, or work independently using tools like Khan Academy to strengthen their skills.

Tuesday: Strengthening Together

Tuesday mornings are dedicated to team planning. Teachers meet in working groups via Zoom video calls: Bible teachers with youth pastors, STEM and computer teachers, and our reading program teachers. These meetings focus on lesson refinement, program improvement, and troubleshooting. The rest of the morning is spent on class planning and preparation.

In the afternoon, groups 2 and 3 arrive for their scheduled days: Tue/Thurs/Sat. The structure remains consistent: lunch and board games, Bible and computer classes in rotation, and academic reinforcement. Bible lessons move from instruction toward deeper engagement, encouraging students to reflect on and apply what they are learning.

Wednesday: Deepening Instruction

Wednesday mornings are dedicated to class planning, material preparation, and lesson refinement, giving teachers uninterrupted time to strengthen instruction, develop necessary skills, and respond to student needs identified earlier in the week.

We also have a group of high school students who attend our program in the mornings, as they are enrolled in afternoon classes at their school. They receive the same classes as other Cadanino students, but with a different schedule.

Afternoons follow the familiar rhythm students rely on: lunch and games, Bible and computer classes, and academic reinforcement. Bible classes emphasize discussion and understanding, while computer classes continue to develop essential skills. Reinforcement time provides focused academic support and celebrates student progress.

Thursday: Caring Beyond the Classroom

Thursday mornings begin once again with staff devotions and prayer, re-centering the team before heading out for home visits, where teachers spend time with families listening, encouraging, praying, and strengthening relationships beyond the classroom walls.

The morning group of students continues their Bible, Khan Academy Math, and Computer classes.

In the afternoon, students arrive and step back into the steady rhythm of lunch, class rotations, and reinforcement. The consistency of the schedule provides stability for students, while the connection with families reinforces trust and long-term impact.

Friday Afternoon & Saturday Morning:

Creating and Leading

Friday mornings are used for class preparation, planning, and training, equipping teachers for both the week’s final activities and what lies ahead.

The morning group of students receives STEM classes during this time.

On Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings, the focus shifts to creativity and hands-on learning. Students spend time in computer classes working through coding and problem-solving lessons on www.code.org, followed by two hours of STEM classes in robotics and 3D printing, where they design, build, experiment, and problem-solve together through team projects, led by STEM teachers and student leaders in our learning clubs. Board games continue to foster teamwork, patience, and joy for younger students.

On Saturdays, many youth participate in leadership classes through a partnership with the Genesis Foundation, learning values, building character, practicing responsibility, collaborating with peers from around the country, and understanding what it means to lead well within their families and communities.

Youth in our missions club also receive training to equip them in teaching Bible classes to over 130 children in their communities every month.

Special Activities

Alongside the weekly rhythm, Cadaniño hosts key special activities that strengthen relationships with those we serve.

Family Days invite parents, siblings, and caregivers into the centers to share meals, play games, and celebrate their children’s growth. These gatherings reinforce the belief that lasting change happens best when families are supported together.

Throughout the year, we also host outreaches to celebrate key moments such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Children’s Day, and Christmas. These events provide important touches that reflect God’s love in tangible ways through shared meals, gifts, activities, preaching, and encouragement.

Cadaniño regularly welcomes mission teams who partner with our local staff to serve alongside students and families. These teams support classes, lead activities, participate in outreaches, and build relationships under the leadership of our Guatemalan team.

Taken together, this steady rhythm, day after day, week after week, year after year, is what creates the powerful impact we see at Cadaniño. It’s not one class, one event, or one person, but the faithful layering of lessons taught, encouragement offered, needs met, assistance given, relationships built, and families walked alongside over time. This consistency creates a safe environment where students can grow in confidence, deepen their faith, strengthen academically, and discover their God-given potential. When children know they will be seen, supported, and consistently challenged with life-changing opportunities, they don’t just participate; they thrive.

Sincerely,

Timothy and Sharie Martiny

Partner with Cadaniño today and impact lives for eternity!

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