By Heather Graham | Executive Director
Casa Guatemala: A Journey of Heart and HopeQ1 2026 Quarterly Report
Dear Casa Guatemala Family,
It is hard to believe that 2026 is already flying by so quickly, but as we reach the halfway point of this year, my heart is full. The last few months have been a whirlwind of visitors, celebrations, and deep, systemic change. When I look out at the children playing or the dust rising from our construction site, I see more than just a school; I see a generation rewriting its own destiny.
The Legacy of the MotherThis past week, our campus was transformed for Mother’s Day. It was a beautiful, chaotic Friday filled with songs, dances, and the prestigious crowning of our "Queen Mother." Many of our moms traveled from distant villages, overcoming work hurdles and difficult transportation just to be present. As I watched them, I was reminded of why we do this. For 25 years, I have seen family structures shift before my eyes.
In a region where the pressures of social norms often lead to sobering rates of adolescent pregnancy—nearly 47 out of every 1,000 girls in Alta Verapaz—we are changing the narrative. Today, 52% of our students are girls who are choosing a different path. We see daughters of Casa Guatemala, whose own mothers may have struggled to feed 14 children, now choosing to have two or three. They do this because they finally understand the value of an education and have the autonomy to claim it. They are breaking cycles of illiteracy and poverty with a determination that is nothing short of heroic.
A February Full of Healing and JoyThough it is the shortest month, February was incredibly full. We kicked things off with our friends from Dentistry For All, who helped us treat over half of our students in our new dental clinic. It was a poignant experience; while many of our newest little ones arrived with dental decay from a lack of hygiene education at home, the children of our former students stood out. Their teeth were healthy and strong because their parents had taken the lessons they learned at Casa Guatemala years ago and made them a family priority. Despite the occasional tears and the need for hand-holding, every child left with a smile and a prize, knowing they were safe and cared for.
The month continued with the pure joy of Valentine’s Day and our beloved Carnaval. The gym was a sea of beautiful decorations and "princess" dresses—many of which came from your generous donations, ensuring no little girl felt left out. The day ended in the wonderful pandemonium of cascarones, as staff, parents, and children alike laughed while cracking confetti-filled eggs over each other’s heads.
Building Foundations, Old and NewOur infrastructure has seen as much movement as our classrooms. This quarter, we made the difficult but necessary decision to relocate classes and begin the urgent restoration of our 30-year-old school building. Decades of jungle humidity and termites had taken their toll, but the "new" Casa Guatemala is already taking shape thanks to back-to-back volunteer groups.
The team from Support Casa Guatemala Children (Canada) put a massive dent in the demolition, working with such care that we were able to salvage materials for future use. This trip was a milestone for me personally, as my own mother—who recently joined our Canadian Board of Directors—was the heart and soul behind the planning. Seeing her share my passion here at Casa Guatemala and work alongside our maintenance team was a reminder that no matter how much we grow, we all need our moms sometimes.
Meanwhile, our longtime friends Scott Anderson and Jose Pena from Friends of Guatemalan Children led a family trip, building desks and painting our newest classroom that was funded thanks to our FOGC annual fundraiser in LA last September. Even our student group from Somos Travel left their mark, varnishing bamboo walls and collaborating on a stunning mural of local flora and fauna that brought our jungle home to life just in time for Earth Day.
The Brighter Children PartnershipThis year, we were thrilled to welcome 17 new friends from Brighter Children, a venture philanthropy organization dedicated to quality primary education. Their board members and donors joined us during the Carnaval celebrations, seeing firsthand the investment they are making in our students. It was an honor to have them help us showcase our work and even create a video on the value of education for our social media.
Following their visit, I traveled to the U.S. to speak at their Annual Gala. It was such an honor to tell our story and feel truly seen by their community. While in the States, I was also reunited with Vilma, a grown "Casa child" now working there to build a home and a legacy for her three children back in Guatemala. She is incredibly determined, and while she misses her family deeply, I feel much better knowing our board member Amy is close by to look after her. We are so excited to see how our relationship with Brighter Children will continue to strengthen our common goals.
Looking AheadWe are now moving into the next phases of our school rebuild, replacing rotted wood with concrete and hope. Every donation, every visit, and every shared video helps us tell the world that these children are worth the investment. Thank you for being part of this family and helping us to continue to change the world, one child at a time!
With Love and Gratitude,
Links:
By Heather Graham | Executive Director
By Heather Graham | Executive Director
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