Founded in 2003, Education for the Children works in partnership with disadvantaged families, children, and young adults in Guatemala to ensure they develop the tools they need to break free from the cycle of poverty. Our School of Hope, founded in 2005, has more than 650 children and young adults in our program. We have a holistic approach to education, which means in addition to school we provide access to clean water, nutrition, health care, hygiene and psychological support. Our students come from areas where extreme poverty, crime, domestic violence and alcoholism are everyday realities. Many of our students are the first in their families to receive an education and their achievements provide new hope for generations to come. For this reason our students love coming to the school and absolutely love to learn!
The School of Hope offers a fully bilingual program from reception to 2nd grade, and then provides English classes every day from 3rd grade through junior high. For graduating students, the Foundation offers a full scholarship to study a career of choice. The students learn computer skills and work towards fluency in English. They can express themselves through dance, drama, and creative writing. They can cook, make music, write for the school newspaper, and excel in sports club. Our school works hard to attend the needs of students and families in order to remove the barriers that prevent them from completing their education.
A key component of our school is the hard work of our volunteers. Volunteers play such an important role in supporting our incredible teachers, students, and staff. They provide the time, the skills, and the experiences we may not always have access to as an NGO. Whether you’re looking for a little work experience, a way to help others, or you simply have some free time you’d like to spend at our project, volunteering can be impactful and rewarding. Your role as a volunteer can vary depending on your interests, experiences, length of stay, and language level. We are always looking for volunteers with unique skill sets. If you do not see a role that fits your qualifications or expectations, contact the Volunteer Coordinator to discuss other possibilities!