Change the lives of 200 Mayan Families

Guatemala’s 2026 school year began in January, with MESA providing scholarships for 55 students:   28 in primary grades, 11 in middle school, 9 in high school and 7 at university level.

Additionally, we have 8 preschool classrooms scattered between three of the indigenous communities that surround Lake Atitlan.   These classes use Montessori methods and are the first and only classes that these children will receive before launching into public school’s 1st grade.   This preparation gives the child a better chance of success in a system that has catastrophically high drop out rates.

We also provide three classes in which students can receive any tutoring they may need, as well as basic computer proficiency.

A very significant and rewarding educational program that MESA offers was originally designed to provide a space for the mothers of our scholarship students to gather and have the opportunity to study…..an opportunity that most had never had.   This has proven to be so popular that now 75 women are enrolled.   Their studies vary by semester and have included mental health, civic duty, crafts, animal husbandry and many other subjects requested by the women themselves.   Moreover, it creates and amplifies community connections, always with an attitude of fun.

Though our mission has changed, MESA still concerns itself with the physical welfare of families, paving floors in homes that would otherwise have only dirt, and building fuel-efficient vented stoves for families cooking on open fires within their homes.   Our dedicated Director and Social Worker are in tune with the needs of their communities.

On behalf of all those benefiting, we extend profound thanks to our donors. This is your work. Thank you for trusting us to convert your donations into direct action.