We just got information for this organization in Guatemala and after reviewing their information we thought it was a great opportinity for you. Take a look!
Education for the Children Foundation is an education nonprofit in Jocotenango, Guatemala whose mission is to break the cycle of poverty through education and empowerment. Our project, La Escuela Esperanza, or the School of Hope, serves over 650 students from kindergarten through university. In addition to education, we have a social services program which covers access to clean water, nutrition, health care, hygiene and psychological support.
Guatemala has one of the lowest literacy rates in the Western Hemisphere. Almost 50% of children under the age of five suffer from chronic malnutrition, and approximately 75% of the population lives below the poverty line. The country’s large indigenous population is disproportionately affected. With these socioeconomic barriers, education is out of reach for many. Although officially education is free to all, the cost of school supplies, transportation, uniforms, and food mean that many families cannot afford to send their children to school. All our students come from areas where extreme poverty, gang crime, domestic violence and alcoholism are everyday realities. Many of our students are the first in their families to receive and 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!
When The School of Hope first opened in 2005, we had 80 students. Now, the school is made up of 675 students and 56 staff. Within our building, we have 469 students in “primaria” and “básico,” ages 5-17. Our school has a fully bilingual program from reception to 2nd grade, and English classes for the rest of the school. The students are here all day from 8:00 am-3:00 pm, which differs from other schools in Guatemala. We also have a scholarship program with 206 students, which provides full scholarships for our students to attend “diversificado” and university.
The role of Volunteers
A key component of our school is the hard work of our volunteers. Volunteers provide the time, the skills, and the experiences we may not always have access to as an NGO. Some volunteers work as classroom assistants, where they prepare materials, help with classroom management, assist with lessons, and work one-on-one with kids who need some extra help. Others work as administrative assistants or help with after-school clubs. Some volunteers work as interns for our Education and Outreach offices. No matter your language level or skill sets, we will find a vital role for you to fill!
How to join and cost
Our volunteers come from all over the world, ranging from Norway to Israel to the U.S. Volunteers must commit to working with us for 1 week, but some stay with us for many months! All volunteers pay a fee of $75 / €70 / £50 and require a background check to volunteer. We are able to help organize your housing and transportation if requested. Our school is right outside of Antigua, a nearly 500-year-old city is cradled by three volcanoes and filled with vibrant colors and colonial-era buildings.
If you are interested in doing impactful work with the wonderful children of the School of Hope, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator Kellen Buckley at visitors@eftcfoundation.org! Please check out our website for more information. ¡Esperamos verte pronto!
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