Education Guatemala Project #5205

Education for Impoverished Guatemalan Youth

by Common Hope

Project Report | Mar 31, 2025
A Home for the Ramirez Family

By Courtney Strobel | Communications Specialist

The Home for the Ramirez Family

In Spanish, the word for home is ‘hogar', which conveys the place where you live, as well as the emotional sense of security and comfort the home provides.

We firmly believe that everyone deserves the right to education, housing, and healthcare. Circumstances like not having housing are often shaped by socioeconomic factors beyond our control, such as when or where we are born.

For many families in Guatemala, the dream of having a safe, secure place to call home often remains just that—a dream. Many face challenges accessing the formal financial system due to disparities in income and resources. We know that a safe and secure place to call home is critical and is the foundation that allows families to flourish and step out of poverty.

Earlier this month, Eunice, a Common Hope social worker, met with the *Ramirez family to catch up and see how they’ve been settling into their new home, which they received through Common Hope's housing program. Without even asking any questions, it was clear that the home environment was more positive— even the plants the family decorates their home with were flourishing!

Gloria, the head of the household, shared that they are finally comfortable. She has three boys, and before, simply coexisting with each other would cause conflict due to a lack of space. “I enjoy gathering us all for family dinners now; we get to enjoy quality time together, and Luis, Antonio, and Alberto can go to their own spaces to study or rest,” shared Gloria. The children love spending time together in their shared room, which helps them grow even closer as siblings.

On the first night the Ramirez family slept in their new rooms, they were overwhelmed with joy. They expressed gratitude for the opportunity to enjoy quality living space after a long chapter of discomfort. They have also repurposed their original home supplies. What were once sheets used to divide living areas are now practical solutions for shielding against the sun in the summertime and dividing kitchen space.

It’s clear that this new house has contributed to a healthier, happier family life. With fewer sibling conflicts over space and protection from the cold and rain, the Ramirez family feels more at ease. Now, the Ramirez family wakes up in their new home, and it’s no longer just a dream; they can focus on family and educational goals.

*Names have been changed to respect the privacy of participating family members

Links:

Before, After, and the Hopeful Future that lies ahead

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Dec 2, 2024
First-Semester Honors for Common Hope Students

By Courtney Strobel | Communication Specialist

Common Hope honor students

It’s a great feeling to be acknowledged for all the hard work you’ve done!

The Education Support Team recently hosted a celebration to honor students in good standing after the first semester. Families and peers gathered to celebrate these exceptional Common Hope students. There was no need to hold applause until the end—every student deserved to be recognized for completing the first semester and all the effort they put in!

“Without a doubt, this celebration has a significant impact on student motivation and participation,” shares Yonatan, Technology Facilitator. “It provides them with a sense of accomplishment and family support, which, in turn, can boost their commitment and enthusiasm for the second semester.” With the initial excitement of the new school year behind them, students are now deep into their coursework. This celebration allows us to reflect on their achievements so far, acknowledge the hard work of both students and teachers, and cultivate a community that promotes a positive learning environment. It helps keep motivation strong.

The Education Team provides an array of after-school support programs tailored to students’ grades, interests, and overall needs. These programs help students resolve any questions they have about their homework, ensuring they stay on track, keep learning, and submit their assignments on time. Guatemala’s underfunded education system, with its limited resources, often creates challenges. We understand that simply attending school does not always correlate with learning. That’s why these after-school programs are crucial—not only do they help students learn, but they also keep them engaged and equip them with valuable skills for success in their studies. “I really enjoyed hearing students being honored for excelling in multiple academic areas. It generated a lot of applause from the attendees,” shares Yonatan. “For each educational support course a student successfully completed, they earned a button!”

Some of the most popular education support courses this year include:

Early Childhood Stimulation
Habilidades (Skill Building)
Computer Literacy
Robotics Mente Sana (Healthy Mind)
English
Music

Beyond the smiles and laughter, the team organized a series of games and puzzles to challenge the critical thinking skills of both students and their parents during the five-day celebration. The event took place in both Antigua and San Miguel, adding an extra layer of fun and engagement for everyone involved.

Student Awards

Student Awards Group Photo

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Aug 5, 2024
The Journey of the Paredez Family

By Courtney Strobel | Communication Specialist

The Paredez family and their social worker Rosa.

From Shelter to Sanctuary
In years past, May would bring tears of frustration to Nancy and Concepciòn Paredez because it marked the start of the rainy season in Guatemala. During the rainy season, which typically lasts through October, they constantly had to rearrange things in their small one-room home to keep their items dry and usable. When it rained, everything became wet and unsafe, including their beds, clothes, and backpacks, and the house itself became unstable.

Nancy and Concepciòn had a desire for a home that could be their sanctuary to raise their three growing kids; where they could focus on school and let their dreams take flight. This year, the Paredez family was eligible to receive a fibrolite home.

The Paredez family used to spend hours repairing parts of their home and the leaky roof. It had reached a point where the family spent more time apart than together due to the limited space in their home. “Now that we have more space, I can actually say I love living in my home. As a family, we can share meals, get the kids ready without asking the neighbors to use their water, and the kids have more privacy which is important as they get older,” shared Nancy.

Working to build a brighter future

Common Hope’s Housing crew is all hands-on deck when it comes to the build. “From start to finish the team came in and I was ready to take off work to help, and they said ‘no we’ve got this’, and I felt cared for,” said Concepciòn. The heartache of living without adequate space and basic necessities, such as running water and a bathroom, is over.

Through a partnership with Common Hope’s Housing program, families like the Paredez family can have a safe and comfortable home with improved living conditions. With more space and less crowding, families can experience happier dynamics and improved well-being. Nancy shares that during construction the family would take walks in different directions just to view the house from different angles. Then they would say, “Look at how beautiful our house is.”

But their journey does not end here

Looking ahead, Nancy and Concepciòn dream of finding a plot of land to call their own and build a future for their children. With the mobile element of their fibrolite home and renewed spirits, there’s no doubt they will succeed.

“In that moment when we first walked in, I opened the windows and took it all in,” Nancy expressed. “I said, ‘my home,’ and a dream became a reality. The house was made with love, and we were safe.”

Links:

View our impact in 2023

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