Education and Hope is a non-profit organization empowering change through education and wellness in the western highlands of Guatemala. Founded on the belief that education is a fundamental human right, and that all the world’s children deserve to be educated, we strongly believe that education is the most effective agent to truly break the cycle of poverty.
Big Dreams. Big Impact. Since 1998
Academic Scholarships
After-School Enrichment
Healthy Meals Served
THEIR REALITY
83% of Guatemalans population lives below the poverty line. In addition, 23 percent live in extreme poverty, many children. Guatemala is the biggest country in Central America. It has one of the highest disparities between rich and poor as well as one of the highest poverty levels worldwide. Low incomes, due to lack of education, mean that many families are left with no choice but to set their children to work in the fields or to beg for food, rather than study in classrooms. Gender disparity is a key problem and is seen in education statistics. Of the 2 million children in Guatemala that do not attend school, the majority are indigenous girls living in rural areas. Unless access to education is increased, the situation of extreme poverty and all that stems from it (poor health, high infant mortality, malnutrition, and reduced life expectancy) will continue to endanger the lives of Guatemalans.
OUR PROMISE
For Over 22 years , Education and Hope has been fiercely dedicated to increasing access to education among vulnerable children and young adults from indigenous and rural villages surrounding the city of Quetzaltenango. Education and Hope nurtures the whole child through opportunities aimed at building academic performance, positive behavior change, and emotional resilience.
YOUR SUPPORT
For as little as $25 each month you can help a Guatemalan child stay in school. Education and Hope is funded largely by individual donations. We depend on the compassionate support of our donors to continue to provide hope through education for so many children. We guarantee that 87 cents of every dollar that you donate will go directly towards improving the lives of the children in our program.
SIGN UP FOR STORIES FROM GUATEMALA
Your support makes so many good things possible! There are many more stories to tell than we can fit into our twice-yearly print newsletter. Our eNewsletter will give you a closer look inside the program, the chance to meet our staff and students, and witness all that transpires on a daily basis in Guatemala. If you’re interested in learning more about our organization and the people we serve, please sign up!
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Light in the Darkness
Annual update on Education and Hope's work at St. Jerome Parish, Norwalk, CT, This year, Julie was joined by scholarship recipient Jenny Díaz, currently a junior at Berea College in KY. Jenny powerfully describes the impact Education and Hope has had on her life and...
The next generation
A highlight of every fall in Xela is graduation season. Our academic year runs from January to early November. Kicking off the season are the kindergarteners. There is always something incredibly moving about the energy infused in this day. Their pride at wearing...
Día de los Muertos
November 1, 2021 Today is the feast of All Saints, a day to honor the lives of those who have gone before us, a day we remember and mourn the dead. I spent the morning in a meditation of sorts, transcribing messages sent with donations made in the memory of a...
