The “Centro Maria Mazzarello, Alespi,” Inc. is a non-profit institution established since 1987 as part of the commitment of the Salesian Sisters (Daughters of Mary Help of Christians) in Orocovis, Puerto Rico, to the integral development of their immediate community. They, in cooperation with a group of citizens, gave themselves the task of making this dream a reality.
The Alespi Center is an educational center that promotes, joy, study, and integral development, ALegría, EStudio, Promoción Integral which form the initials of our name.
Our philosophy is to keep children, youth and other participants in an environment where joy, study, and values prevail through activities at the service of the whole community. It aims to offer a varied program that includes: academic support and tutoring, sports activities, music and art, values, health and physical exercises, vocational courses in agriculture, dance courses; that impact the participating community and the surrounding communities
The Alespi Center has a social, sports, cultural, civic and promotional purpose with the following objectives:
- Create spaces to promote sports, music, and art.
- Offer educational and recreational experiences so that children and young people spend their free time productively.
- Respond to the different forms of poverty, especially among young people at high risk.
- Prevent school desertion, violence, drug addiction, alcohol and any other form of abuse and youth exploitation.
Our Mission
Our Mission is to form joyful citizens through integral development including, social, educational, recreational and cultural activities of excellence addressing the needs of children, youth, adults, and families fostering unity so that they may be empowered to make a difference and live in solidarity with others.
Our Vision
To be an educational center for integral development aimed at human fulfillment, at the service of the entire participating community.