Para Crecer

Purpose and Activities

Paracrecer (paracrecer.org) is an organization dedicated to promoting social change through education. Our mission is to empower individuals and communities by providing them with essential knowledge and skills in sexuality education, consent and mental health. Our goal is to close educational gaps that contribute to social problems, ultimately cultivating a respectful and informed society.

Why we exist

The creation of Paracrecer was deeply influenced by our founder’s experiences while working with women who had been assaulted in Guatemala. It became evident that there was a significant lack of education around consent and sexual health. Many survivors and community members were unable to identify the assault, leading to a broader understanding of the community’s educational gaps in basic sexuality education. This lack of knowledge and education manifested itself in several critical areas:

• Inappropriate Condom Use : A prevalent problem that leads to the increase in the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• High Teen Pregnancy Rates : A widespread lack of understanding that intercourse leads to pregnancy.
• Shame Surrounding Medical Problems : Women often feel too embarrassed to seek medical help for common infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), resulting in more serious health problems such as kidney infections.
• Mental Health Stigma : Insensitivity towards mental health issues, exemplified by hurtful jokes and the stigmatization of those who struggle with mental health.
• Body Shame : High levels of shame and discomfort regarding one’s own body and mental health.

What do we do

Paracrecer addresses these issues by visiting schools, communities, and universities to provide comprehensive education on sexuality education, consent, and mental health. Our activities include:

• Sexual Education Workshops : Covering topics from basic anatomy to safe sexual practices and STI prevention.
• Consent Education : Teaching the importance of consent, recognizing aggression, and understanding boundaries.
• Mental Health Awareness : Promoting mental health literacy, identifying signs of mental health problems and fostering a supportive environment.
• Community Involvement : Working closely with local communities to adapt our programs to their specific needs and cultural contexts.

Our Impact

By offering these crucial educational programs, Paracrecer aims to create a ripple effect of positive change. Our objectives are:

• Cultivate a society that understands and respects the needs of themselves and others.
• Promote kindness and respect, reducing harassment and social stigma.
• Equip individuals with the knowledge and confidence to make informed and independent decisions.
• Promote general well-being and reduce the prevalence of preventable health and social problems.

Educational Approach

Recognizing that many schools are reluctant to teach these topics due to teachers’ discomfort or lack of experience, Paracrecer steps in to fill this gap. We provide a comfortable, expert-led learning environment where students and community members can participate openly and without shame.

Vision for the Future

At Paracrecer, we believe that education is the basis of independence and informed decision-making. By empowering people with knowledge, we are building a future where people are confident in their decisions, respect others, and are able to contribute to a healthier, more understanding society. Our vision is to expand our reach, impacting more communities and ultimately fostering a world where education leads to empowered lives.