Los Ninos Primero

Since the summer of 2001, Los Nios Primero has been dedicated to supporting Atlanta's underprivileged Latino children, youth, and families. Led by Executive Director Maritza Morelli, who immigrated to Atlanta from Venezuela thirty-three years ago, the organization provides crucial academic, leadership, arts, cultural enrichment, and mental wellness support to this immigrant community. Maritza deeply understands the delicate balance the families navigate, striving to ensure their children thrive in public schools while preserving a meaningful connection to their heritage, culture, and language.During her 23-year tenure at Los Nios Primero, Maritza has fostered a harmonious, cohesive, and respectful community where families can learn, lead, and excel. Under her guidance, the organization has grown from a single site serving 17 children in 2001 to seven service sites. In 2022 alone, Los Nios Primero reached over 900 children, youth, and families.Los Nios Primero offers six core programs:1.Year-Round Academic Program (3- to 9-year-old students): Our program caters to children aged three to nine, providing five enriching weeks of learning each summer and Saturday School sessions throughout the school year. We align our curriculum with with the Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards (GELDS) and Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE).2.Early Literacy Program: (4 to 5-years old students) This program aims to enhance Latino family literacy by involving parents in the classroom, fostering early and productive academic relationships with their children. Led by a bilingual teacher, this program utilizes bilingual books and creative exploration to strengthen literacy skills and boost confidence in both students and parents. We partner with the Alliance Theater to train parents in theater-based reading techniques, adding even more value to our program.3.Arts and Cultural Enrichment (4- to 13-year-old): Throughout the school year, we supplement students' learning with activities like chorus, orchestra, dance, drama, art, and cultural enrichment. These extracurricular activities contribute to a well-rounded educational experience, fostering a deeper sense of belonging and connection to our program. Music education enhances learning, language development, memorization, and communication skills. Our chorus and orchestra programs incorporate songs and compositions that support classroom academics while introducing students to a variety of cultural musical traditions.4.Sports (4- to 12-year-old students): Our soccer program, led by Coach Ricardo Montoya, not only teaches the physical aspects of these activities but also promotes social, health, and emotional well-being. Coach Montoya, a former professional soccer player, inspires hope in young Latino players by emphasizing cooperation and teamwork. Swimming is offered weekly, emphasizing water safety, coordination, and encouraging healthy habits in our students.5. Youth Service and Leadership Program: Youth volunteers play a pivotal role in classroom instruction, serving as role models for our younger students. Their presence not only fosters powerful connections but also sets an example of kindness while actively promoting leadership, intellectual curiosity, and pride in their heritage. Through this service experience, our teens gain self-assurance, maturity, and a deeper sense of belonging within their communities. To our youth we offer the Martha Barrios Mead Scholarship Program, honoring a beloved founder and board member. Our program alumni and youth volunteers are eligible to apply for this scholarship to support them as they attend universities, colleges, trade, and vocational schools.6. Family Civic Engagement and Leadership Program: Los Nios Primero actively involves parents in our year-round program, aiming to empower them with the confidence and skills to advocate for their children. Programs offered include: Fostering Family Leaders Program: A 10-week initiative (in collaboration with The United Way of Greater Atlanta) that builds on parents' existing strengths, elevating them to new levels of leadership in their homes, schools, and communities. Parent Education Program: workshops and training to improve comprehension among parents about the U.S. school system, their children's developmental phases, and effective ways to enhance their learning at home. Cognitive-Compassion Training: A program designed to help parents manage stress, led by Andrea Garcia, a CBCT certified instructor. (LYRIC - Latino Youth Readiness and Information about College): LYRIC delivers informative outreach sessions to high school students and their families, providing resources and opportunities to pursue higher education. Coach Parent Program: This program involves parents committing to a year-long coaching experience, acting as liaisons between our administration and families. It hones their communication, leadership, and facilitation skills, ultimately enhancing communication within Los Nios Primero. Affordable Family Counseling: a bilingual, GA-certified mental health therapist is available free of charge to our enrolled families.