Changing the World, One Child at a Time

Dear Friends,

It’s hard to believe that the first month of 2025 is almost over! Each year seems to go by faster than the last and I am coming to terms with the fact that this is reality and that no matter what happens each year, there is no way to slow it down! Because of this, I am trying to be more mindful and take the time to reflect on all the good and bad that has happened to us this past year. When I do, I am filled with gratitude, because even in our most difficult times, our Casa Guatemala family always loves and supports us. Thank you for making our 2024 year and our end-of-year campaign a success. Your generosity truly makes an impact on the lives of so many people who depend on us for the care and education of their children.

Since January 15th,  our homes and classrooms are once again filled with the sounds of our children returning from their villages to conquer another school year. There has been laughter and happy hugs with old friends, and there have been a few tears as the new students lean on their older brothers and sisters to get through the first few days without mom and dad by their side. The sacrifice our families make to send their children to study far from home is no easy task. We are humbled by their trust in our staff and our work. More than any other feedback, our parents always highlight how their children receive a better quality education with Casa Guatemala than is possible in the underfunded public schools found in their communities. We see the results in the grades our children earn, their attendance levels, and their enthusiasm to continue learning.

This year, we are welcoming eight of our sixth grade graduates who will continue to live on site and study at the junior high school in Las Brisas. They will join our other two students in our middle school program. Our three 2024 junior high school graduates have already started high school in the town of Río Dulce. And since there is no public transportation, we will provide our boat to take all of the graduates into town each day to continue their high school studies. Our classrooms are once again filled with new and returning students who now have the opportunity to create new opportunities for their families, and many of them are the first generation to have the chance to attend school. Many of the new students are just starting to learn Spanish and can only speak Q’eqchi but they are quick to learn and luckily have the support of our Q’eqchi staff and the other children to help them with the process. Yesterday I spent the afternoon with the children who live onsite. It has been very cold and rainy here so we were all inside the comedor, our messhall where we gather to eat and often watch movies. We were having an art day and everyone was drawing pictures. We were also doing some facepainting which is always a big hit! It was so lovely to have all the returning kids come up to me and bring their younger siblings who were just starting the year. They all introduced them to me and we practiced saying our introductions in English, Spanish and Q'eqchi! I am always so amazed by the tenacity to learn and succeed that these amazing kids show each year! They make me so proud and inspired to continue this important work! 

We currently have 191 students enrolled in our school in addition to our high school and junior high school students, which brings the full number of children at Casa Guatemala to 204. These numbers will probably go up a few more as there are always a few exceptions  and emergency cases that we will take in through the year. We are lucky to be able to have smaller classes so that we can ensure a high level of one on one time with our teachers for each child. We are so grateful for the generous donations of all of our donors who allow for us to have the incredible staff we have in order to care for the children who depend on us! 

None of this would be possible without you. The world is big and sometimes it can feel overwhelming when we are faced with all the bad news out there. But please take a moment and focus on the good that you are doing. Each and every child here at Casa Guatemala has the opportunity to change the world because of you! You are truly making an impact and we cannot thank you enough for believing in our work and joining us in creating this meaningful change in the world. We know that with your support, we are ready to face whatever the new year brings here too!

With love and gratitude,

Heather 

Links:

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