Jocotenango , Guatemala ( CNN ) -- Growing up in Guatemala , Juan Pablo Romero Fuentes watched many of his peers succumb to drugs , gangs and crime . `` Kids here are forced to grow up in a very harsh environment filled with violence , '' he said . Reeling from decades of civil war , Guatemala continues to be plagued by poverty and violence . According to the United Nations , the country has the fifth-worst homicide rate . Romero Fuentes became a teacher in his hometown , and he found that many of his students were struggling with the same issues his generation had faced . `` Their parents had no jobs ; their families were disintegrating . They had no hope or motivation , '' he said . So , at 23 and with his parent 's blessing , Romero Fuentes turned part of his family 's home into a community center . In 2006 , he began tutoring and mentoring a handful of kids after school . Word spread quickly , and children from all over the community joined the group . Today , his program offers free classes , tutoring and meals , as well as low-cost medical care . His nonprofit , Los Patojos -- which translates to the Little Ones -- has helped more than 1,000 children . `` I created a safe place for them to realize that they actually can change bad aspects in their lives and their community , '' said Romero Fuentes , now 30 . `` I wanted to give them a better present in order to attain a brighter future . '' Finding hope at home . Los Patojos has become a haven in a region where young people are in desperate need of opportunity and protection . An unprecedented number of children from Central America have made the treacherous journey to the United States to flee violence and poverty in their countries . Since October , more than 57,000 unaccompanied minors from Guatemala , El Salvador and Honduras have been caught crossing the U.S. border . Some 37 % are from Guatemala -- more than any other country , according to the Department of Health and Human Services . `` These families are in desperate situations . They have no money and no hope for a better future for their children , '' Romero Fuentes said . Despite this harsh reality , Romero Fuentes believes his country can rebuild itself from within . But for the young people to help do that , he says , they need resources and support . `` In a violent country , the only weapon we can have is love , '' he said . `` These kids are already powerful , but they do n't know that yet . '' To that end , Los Patojos offers productive activities for people 3 to 18 , all aimed at giving them the tools they need to transform their families and their communities . A generation of peacemakers . Romero Fuentes ' program takes place in the entire front portion of his family 's home as well as another building down the block . At the main center , painted with colorful murals and quotes , children are exposed to a number of creative outlets . They take classes in dance , music , photography , theater and juggling and often put on performances for each other . `` These classes are to show kids that they can pursue their own passions in order to improve their lives , '' Romero Fuentes said . Leadership seminars teach the children about social , political and cultural issues . They learn the importance of moral courage , social justice and self-expression . They also explore ways to reduce violence . `` We are raising them to be the future leaders of Guatemala , '' Romero Fuentes said . The group 's feeding program provides a nutritious meal to more than 100 children each day . For many of them , it is the only meal they will have all day , says Romero Fuentes . Los Patojos also runs a medical clinic that provides basic health services to more than 1,500 people each year . And the organization is in the process of building its own school , where more than 250 students will attend preschool through sixth grade . For Romero Fuentes , this is just the beginning . `` I love my city and my country . I want to inspire these kids , '' he said . `` They are the ones in charge of writing the new history in Guatemala . '' Want to get involved ? Check out the Just World International website and see how to help .
A teacher in Guatemala saw his students were struggling with drugs and gangs . Juan Pablo Romero Fuentes turned part of his home into an after-school community center . Today , his nonprofit offers free classes , tutoring , meals and low-cost medical care .