Children First provides a wide range of skills training, education, and cultural activities in Spanish Town. On-going projects focus on formal and non-formal education, theater outreach and income generation projects. The organization's overall philosophy is driven by the principle that children and their families should play a decisive role in the processes affecting their lives.

1. Remedial Education Program. This program is designed to prepare and return children from marginal areas to the public school system. Using role-plays, games and music, Children First takes advantage of creative techniques to encourage children to become involved in their own-learning. Once the children are ready to make the transition, Children First works with the public school system to enroll students back into public schools. In the school setting, Children First interacts with school staff and brings attention to the special needs and unique realities of these children.

   
   

2. Life Skills Program. Children First also carries out this program in partnership with the public school system. In the classrooms, students are able to better understand various issues that relate to their lives. Using icebreakers, song and drama, students receive training on issues such as children's rights, safety, health and nutrition.

3. Environmental Protectors. The Environmental Protectors are a group of young people that use drama or "street theater" to deliver messages of empowerment to children, families, schools and communities. The messages are not limited to the natural environment (i.e.pollution), but also the "social environment" which surrounds these children. The plays, which are often written, directed and performed by former "street kids", touch upon themes such as protection from physical and emotional abuse, drug prevention and HIV awareness. The group conducts its theater activities in schools, community centers and stages in the streets.

4. Income Generation for Parents. Children First understands that,in order to improve the lives of children, it is often necessary to improve the lives of their parents or guardians. Accordingly, Children First carries out micro-enterprise projects by providing small business education and small business loans. Parents receive training and loans to set up small businesses such as tailoring, chicken and goat rearing, and crafts merchandising. As a result, children benefit from an improved social and economic environment at home.