This charity is honestly just life-changing. It´s the most beautiful experience in an amazing country with the most talented and hard-working people. I have stayed in a homestay in Antigua and am going home to England knowing I have a whole other family here. I felt very emotional leaving after 6 weeks of volunteering with first grade, the children at El Proyecto Escuela de Esperanza have my entire heart, and have had the biggest impact on my life. What they do here is just incredible, and everyone should try to help in any way they can as these children deserve the world. Please please contribute in any way you can, donations or volunteering (the best option I´d say) or fundraising - they truly deserve everything.
Volunteering at Education for the Children (EFTC) for four months was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. From day one, it was clear that this organization is doing truly life-changing work. Susan and Sophie are absolutely incredible. Their passion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the students are what drew me to EFTC in the first place.
I had the opportunity to teach English, which was an unforgettable experience. Many of the students come from extremely difficult home situations, and yet they walk through the school gates with resilience, smiles, and an endless amount of hugs to share. EFTC understands that for students to succeed, their basic needs must be met first. The school provides access to psychologists, nurses, meals, and a team of compassionate, dedicated educators who work to understand the whole kiddo, not just their academics.
I would have stayed forever if I could. After more than 20 years of work in the community, EFTC continues to prove its impact, not just through longevity, but through the real difference it makes in students’ lives every day. I wouldn’t hesitate for a second to donate to this organization. I’ve seen firsthand how intentionally and effectively they use their resources. If you’re considering getting involved, do it. You won't regret it; in fact, it will probably change your life.
I have been volunteering with EFTC since September, and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The organization is incredibly well-run, and it’s clear that their mission to provide education and support to children is at the heart of everything they do.
During my time here, I’ve had the opportunity to work with primaria as a teacher assistant.
At the school, I’ve also supported with English classes, helped students with their English homework, and contributed by translating for a project.
The teachers are not only dedicated and passionate but also truly care about each student’s growth and well-being. The kids themselves are amazing—full of energy, kindness, and resilience. Spending time with them each week is a genuine joy.
I feel proud to be part of EFTC and I’m inspired by the impact this organization has made in Jocotenango. I highly recommend volunteering or supporting EFTC if you’re looking to make a meaningful difference.
-Diana Castro
I had the wonderful opportunity to volunteer at Education for the Children in Guatemala during their holiday classes, specifically at a piñata-making workshop organized by the teachers.
From the very beginning, I was warmly welcomed and felt at ease thanks to the patience and kindness of the teachers. It was such a rewarding experience working with children of all ages, who were absolutely adorable and full of energy.
I’m deeply committed to supporting this meaningful project and helping these underprivileged children. It’s an experience I’ll cherish forever!
I worked with EFTC in Antigua Guatemala at the beginning of 2024; the experience was amazing! The children are adorable and always ready to learn something new, Susan is so welcoming and always ensures to maximise the volunteers' experience as well as the children's'. The way the school runs is very smooth, and I felt as if I fit in very easily. I miss it so much!
I have volunteered twice with EFTC and both times were incredible. The most recent time I went with my husband and they welcomed us with open arms. Even though we were only there for a week, we really bonded with the students and they made a lasting impact on us. This school does so much for the students and it is incredible to see all of the work that goes into it. I would recommend volunteering with EFTC to anyone!
This past October(2024) myself, and other volunteers with the non-profit organization, Hair Aid were invited to conduct our 5-day haircutting training course at the Education for the Children campus in Antigua, Guatemala. Susan Garcia, the staff, and school volunteers were incredibly welcoming and beyond accommodating from the moment we walked in. We were provided with two translators(plus Susan!) to help us mitigate any language barriers as English-speaking instructors with our Spanish-speaking students. We were all able to communicate with ease for a successful week of learning. I genuinely believe that everyone involved was happy and grateful to be a part of the team there. We were even able to get to know each of our students a bit and understand what day-to-day life is like in their beautiful city. With the help and accommodations of the staff and volunteers at EFTC it made for a memorable and inspiring week for all of us involved. I truly hope to be invited back to their wonderful campus for more teaching and learning in the near future!!
I first heard about Education for the children around 7 years ago. I have since volunteered to help on three separate occasions by teaching art.
I have been overwhelmed by the overall happiness and generosity of spirit that exists throughout this organisation.
Each visit has shown me how invested they are in the children's welfare. I have seen amazing improvements in the facilties., well being, counselling, to haircuts, eye sight checks etc.
I am also impressed by the way in which the older students are all encouraged to value each other and themselves and are practically encouraged to progress in their careers and as citizens in the wider community.
I could go on but suffice to say I would not have travelled from the U.K. on three occasions if I did not think Education for the Children is a very worthwhile, amazing non profit charity.
I volunteered at the Education for the Children Foundation in July for two months. It was the most enriching voluntary experience I have ever done! I thoroughly enjoyed staying with my host family in Antigua who showed me the local cuisine, customs and history of Guatemala. Voluntary work at the school was a cherishing experience, I was an English class assistant in the upper school. The children were enthusiastic and curious. I thoroughly recommend this experience, the whole volunteering process is well-organised and efficient. The volunteer coordinator is always on hand to answer any questions and provide support when required. Everyone in the school is incredibly welcoming and warm and it does not take long to settle in. I had the best experience with this charity and would highly recommend to anyone considering this opportunity of a lifetime!
Volunteering here has been such an amazing experience, not only because I've had the chance to learn more about Guatemalan culture during my homestay, but also because I've seen firsthand how Education for the Children makes a huge impact on the kids' lives in Antigua. Even in the short time I've been here, it’s clear how much care and effort everyone puts in, making you feel like a true part of the community whilst volunteering. The teachers go above and beyond, ensuring the students not only receive a great education but also that their overall well-being, including their home life, is supported. I can't recommend this charity enough for anyone coming to Guatemala!
I have loved my time at EFTC. The staff and students are all so kind and lovely to be around. I have been able to teach classes, meet one-on-one with students, help with administrative work, among other activities I have greatly enjoyed. I highly recommend coming to Guatemala and volunteering at this school, you won´t regret it!
I have had an incredible experience volunteering with EFTC! Their mission is absolutely amazing and all of the staff is very welcoming and passionate about providing great education to these kids. The volunteer coordinator especially is very supportive and wants to ensure that you find a place in the school that you love, and one that meets your personal goals and comfortability. The homestay accomodation is incredibly helpful, as it is a great location to live in Antigua, the food is delicious, and you can practice your Spanish! EFTC's whole volunteer program does a great job at prioritizing your interests and being flexible with your schedule, and the foundation itself is making such a difference in each students' life, so it is an amazing experience to have and a great team to be a part of. I could not recommend it enough!
Great organization that is very well run and organized. They do so much for the local children and families, more than I imagined. I was lucky enough to do an on site visit earlier this month, so glad to see it in person.
EFTC is an incredible and welcoming organization. They were incredibly helpful while I ran my tutoring program, and facilitated an amazing learning environment.
I volunteered here for two months and it was amazing. They make such a difference in the kids lives and I would sponsor a child myself! The kids are so loving and so caring. It is well run and run by good people who care.
I am currently volunteering at the school and I could not recommend it enough! During the school term time, I was an assistant in the English lessons and now it is the holiday school, I am helping out with the children who will be officially starting in January. All of the staff are so helpful and I am very grateful for all the support during my two months here. Also, the children are amazing and I have learnt so much from them too. This organisation always puts the children first and does everything they possibly can to support them. I would definitely come back to the school in the future to help again and I loved my time here and what they are doing is amazing!
Following a five week visit to Central America in 2006, I started sponsoring four students at the School of Hope. Once I had retired, I was eager to visit the school to meet the four students and also volunteer as an assistant to one of the English teachers. This first visit, in 2017, greatly impressed me: the school was not only providing the children with an education but also understood the necessity of providing support for the nutritional, medical and social needs of the children and their families.
A further visit in 2019 enabled me to volunteer in both English and Mathematics classrooms: as a retired Maths teacher it was a privilege to share my knowledge of the subject with the children in the school through a mixture of my limited Spanish and their English. At this stage, the four students I was sponsoring had left the school but, fortunately, EFTC continues to support them as their education proceeds to High School level and beyond.
Hopes for a further visit in 2021 were dashed by the pandemic. Although the classrooms were shut during this period EFTC provided programmes of learning for the children and provided major support for their families during a time of much uncertainty.
My latest visit was at the beginning of 2023 where, again, I helped in the Maths classroom. I met again two of the now young adults that I started sponsoring so many years ago. They are now nearing the end of their university courses and were eager to talk about their hopes for the future. Collectively, my family undertook the sponsorship of two more pupils during 2022: this latest visit provided an early opportunity to meet them: a nine year old with an enthusiasm for Maths and a Prepa A pupil in his first few weeks at school. They will certainly inspire me to return soon!
I had the pleasure of working for EFTC. Everyone that is a part of this organization is always looking for the best ways to support the students. The staff is constantly adapting and growing resources to meet the needs of the community. They aren't just teaching but are approaching each individual student in a holistic manner to give them as much opportunity as possible. Each decision is made very thoughtfully, always striving to do as much good as they can with their resources. The organization works to be sustainable, having a majority of the staff Guatemalan and hiring former students. They also try to give students aging out of the program opportunities for continued success. Each area is staffed with people who are experts in their field and have passion for supporting the community of Jocotenango.
I have lived in Jocotenango for many years and, through various community members, was well-acquainted with EFTC’s excellent reputation before I began volunteering in almost two years ago. I have found all the staff members to be very professional and dedicated to the well being of the children and their families. The program’s attention and follow-through regarding each child provides a level of support that assures an investment in the community’s long-term welfare.
I volunteered at EFTC for the first time in early November 2022, and this year I'm coming back again but I'm bringing 2 other friends along. If this doesn't show you how much I enjoyed this experience, you can keep reading this review. The second I arrived you could feel the positive energy all over, full of caring teachers, kids loving to learn, and a coordinating team full of enthusiasm. Everyone was always extremely kind to me, helping me along the way, always making me feel including and filling me with tasks I enjoyed doing, so it never felt like a chore. You can clearly see how well taken care of the children are, the installations are always clean and everyone on the team is always prepared for anything they do. I can definitely say if you're looking to volunteer or support financially, EFTC is the best program you can look for.
I am so fortunate to be volunteering with EFTC for 3.5 months! The mission and the integrity of the foundation is truly all student-centered. I am proud to be working for an organization that provides so much for their students: education, nutrition, health checks, mental health support, and so much more. I have the opportunity to make an impact on the communications team as well as interact with the kids daily while improving my Spanish; cannot recommend EFTC enough!
EFTC is a wonderful organization that helps some of the world's most vulnerable children. This nonprofit provides so much more than education. They give access to food, after school enrichment, and a safe space for these kids. Without EFTC, many of them wouldn't have the support they need to graduate. Especially now, EFTC is filling a role that is so crucial in these children's lives.
Even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization continues to go above and beyond to help the community.
Volunteered here and was absolutely blown away by the amount of care and love put into everything don’t here
Such an amazing organization! It’s an incredible space for kids to learn and grow, with attention given to each and every child. EFTC gives children the opportunity to overcome their challenging living conditions and develop into hard-working, caring kids that have the chance to truly make their mark on the world.
Such a great charity!! I was volunteering for EFTC in early 2020. Everyone that works at the school provided great support for me and more importantly the kids. It was amazing to see how positively the children that go the school act and how well they embrace other cultures. The charity is clearly doing something right!
I volunteered with EFTC in Guatemala earlier this year and it was one of the best experiences of my life. As a volunteer intern I got to see how an NGO functions and witness the positive changes it can make in so many lives. I was still in Guatemala during the early stages of Covid-19; it was amazing to see the team come together to support the families of the School of Hope in every way possible. I gained many valuable life skills and was supported by the staff throughout my stay. I hope to return one day and see all those smiling faces again. I couldn’t recommend volunteering with this incredible organization enough!
I was a volunteer at the school for the month of November and really loved my time there. The kids are great, and I'm lucky enough to still see them once a month!
I loved my time volunteering with EFTC! Everyone that works there is so friendly and dedicated to providing the best education and services for not only the students but their families and the community. The volunteer coordinator is super helpful and checks in to make sure you are having the best experience possible. The Teachers are so greatful for the help even if it is just grading papers or helping make posters that gives the teacher more time to focus on lesson planning and helping the students who need it. This is an absolutely incredible organization and I can’t wait to volunteer with them again!
Fantastic organization serving a community in need of assistance. Volunteering here doesn’t only make a difference for the kids — it’s intrinsically rewarding and provides new experiences and memories in abundance. EFTC is incredible and far beyond what a online post can describe. You need to come see it for yourself!
When researching NGOs and charities to support, EFTC really stood out to me. When I read about the foundation and its mission, I knew I wanted to be involved. The team at EFTC have been fantastic in terms of communication and support for volunteers, even helping with arranging a lovely homestay family to stay with in Antigua.
I volunteered with the foundation during July 2019 and I was blown away with how forward thinking some of the initiatives here are, including the well balanced food for the kids, the sexual and mental health support and the university sponsorships to name but a few.
The kids here are so lovely, the staff are amazing and the opportunities for volunteering are varied. I have personally learnt a lot during my time here and while I can´t say I've saved the world by volunteering here, I do feel I've had a very real and positive impact within the foundation and with the kids.
If you have time to give while in Antigua, I would strongly recommend getting involved. If you When researching NGOs and charities to support, EFTC really stood out to me. When I read about the foundation and its mission, I knew I wanted to be involved. The team at EFTC have been fantastic in terms of communication and support for volunteers, even helping with arranging a lovely homestay family to stay with in Antigua.
I volunteered with the foundation during July 2019 and I was blown away with how forward thinking some of the initiatives here are, including the well balanced food for the kids, the sexual and mental health support and the university sponsorships to name but a few.
The kids here are so lovely, the staff are amazing and the opportunities for volunteering are varied. I have personally learnt a lot during my time here and while I can´t say I've saved the world by volunteering here, I do feel I've had a very real and positive impact within the foundation and with the kids.
If you can't get down here in person, the charity relies 100% on donations, and every cent is clearly well spent, so that's another great way to be support.
Thanks
Simon
I came across La Escuela de Esperanza through the Spanish school I was planning on attending in Antigua and decided to inquire about a volunteer opportunity as a way to pass my time after classes. What I could have never anticipated was that my time at Esperanza was by far what I cherish most about my trip. I came into my five weeks alone in Guatemala with the expectation that I would be purely studying, but was instead met with amazing other volunteers who I would become my friends and who I'd end up exploring practically the entire country of Guatemala with. The heart of this organization is absolutely incredible, as they truly seek to propel each of their students into bright futures, supporting them as far as their dreams allow. I can't put into words how much I grew to adore the children I worked with in my 3rd grade class, and just how thankful I am for the opportunity to become their friend. My only warning is that it is incredibly tough to leave, but how beautiful to have found something that is so hard to say goodbye to ( :
(for a visual I've also included below the video I made about my experience)
I worked at EFTC from April to June and have come back for another month. It's amazing to be part of such a great project which supports so many children with not only their education, but nutrition, health, and life skills.
It has been such a great volunteer experience, far surpassing volunteer roles I have done before. As a volunteer an important thing to mention is the ongoing support and guidance you receive as there is a full time volunteer coordinator based in the school. This means that the placement has flexibility and can be catered to what works best for you in terms of hours, roles, and your level of Spanish. I have really enjoyed assisting in the English classrooms with students aged 13-16 and can appreciate the impact and importance of having native English speakers to complement their studies is for these pupils. My other role is supporting the volunteer coordinator and the office in general with admin tasks such as translations, fundraising activities and blogs. It has been a great opportunity to learn about an NGO during my placement year from university.
Working at the school for 2 months was one of my greatest experiences. Teaching English to 4 classes of 25 kids is something that I'll never forget and both the kids and staff radiate positivity something that excited me about working there every day. The work they do at EFTC is amazing and I can't wait to be back next year!
I have nothing but positive things to say about my experience at the School of Hope. During my time volunteering there, I was overwhelmed by the support, welcome, and encouragement given to me by both students and staff. As a school teacher in the United States, it was incredible to see the amount of emotional, psychological, and health support given to each student through meetings with psychologists, after school programs, healthy lunches and snacks, and important hygiene. I had a truly wonderful experience here and I cannot wait to return next summer!
I have the wonderful privilege to sponsor 3 students at this incredible school and organization. I also had the opportunity to visit the school, volunteer, and learn more about my students while teacher assisting in the classroom. This education and nutrition program is vital to the lives of those living below the poverty level in Jocotenango. They are able to provide healthy meals, basic hygiene, mental health support, after school clubs, music, dancing, art, English classes, and so much love for these students and their families. I cannot day enough about them and the programs they are offering. Highly recommend visiting and of course sponsoring!
I have worked here for two months and it has been an incredible experience! Every day i get to work with 25 amazing kids while improving my spanish and making great relationships. My time away from school has been just as enriching with the abundance of places to eat and natural beauty all around! It has been amazing!
I've spent 3 summers volunteering at the School of Hope with EFTC since originally discovering the school during my search for volunteer opportunities abroad. The school provides everything from nutritious meals to psychologists and healthcare for their students. The individual attention that each student receives is unparalleled.
I've volunteered in both English and Spanish speaking classrooms. The teachers and students have always welcomed me without hesitation. The students are always eager to meet the volunteers and learn about them. The school is always willing to accommodate any special skills you have as well, especially with their after school programs. I've now been sponsoring a student for two years as well, and love get updates from him. Overall, I couldn't have asked for a better volunteer opportunity.
Visited this school a couple years ago. Was able to spend lunch and recess with the students and teachers. It was a great experience serving them lunch and listening to them practice their English. I’m happy in my small way to be able to support the school.
I had the privilege of visiting EFTC in Guatemala in 2015 and was amazed at the wonderful work being undertaken there. I could sense a genuine care that each of the staff members had for the children and families that benefit from the program. Most of all, I was impressed with the kids! It was a great visit and has inspired me to continue following their efforts even after I left. What an amazing organization!
I've been involved with EFTC since 2012, first as a volunteer, then as a board member, and now as the director of their USA-based branch. I've visited and volunteered at the school multiple times. I'm always impressed with how happy the students are and how dedicated their teachers are. The staff is well-organized, cheerful, and always excited to meet new volunteers and get them involved at the school.
I was a volunteer at the School of Hope for two weeks in May 2017, and due to my amazing experience there, I decided to return to Guatemala and volunteer for another two weeks the following year. I am also a sponsor to a student at the School of Hope.
During my time at the School of Hope, I felt very welcomed by the staff. They treated with a great amount of respect for doing what I could to help out. Despite the language barrier that I had due to my limited experience of speaking and understanding Spanish, the staff were amazing at meeting me at the level of Spanish I was at by being patient and taking my abilities into consideration. The volunteer coordinator at the School of Hope does an excellent job of checking in on volunteers to see how they are doing throughout their volunteer experience as well.
The School of Hope itself is a great place for the students as it truly works to improve the quality of their lives. The School of Hope focuses on not only education as its main priority, but also nutrition, hygiene, and emotional well-being. I believe this is one of the many great qualities that sets this school apart from others, and I deeply admire how active the School is in bettering the lives of the students and even the families of the students.
As for my experiences interacting with the students at the School of Hope, I have to say that they are the most wonderful, memorable, and eye-opening experiences I have had. I went into my volunteer experiences there thinking that I would make an impact in the lives of the students there, but I was shocked to find that the students were the ones to impact my life. I learned so much from my volunteer experiences there. The children taught me that you don't need a lot of money or materialistic things to be happy; that no matter how different we may seem from one another, we are all connected; and most importantly, that love has no boundaries. The children there love volunteers, and will show you love regardless of who you are, where you come from, or what language you speak.
Because I loved working at the School so much and because I loved working with the children there, I decided during my first two weeks that I would become a sponsor to a student at the school. I was able to sponsor one of the students I had worked with in my assigned classroom. My sponsorship experience has been nothing but positive. The sponsorship coordinator is very friendly and helps you maintain a relationship with your sponsor child if you wish to by coordinating Skype calls, acting as a translator, sending letters and pictures, and so much more. I can't express how great of an honor it has been to be a sponsor, and how blessed I am that I was able to see my sponsor child a second time to see how he had grown and how he had progressed in his academics at the School of Hope. Being a sponsor is an absolute privilege and such a lovely experience!
Overall, working as a volunteer at the School of Hope has been the most incredible experience. I am looking forward to returning sometime in the future! I highly recommend volunteering here to anyone who wishes to have a positive and enlightening service experience. The School of Hope, the staff, the students, and my sponsor child will always have a special place in my heart, and if you're lucky enough to be able to volunteer there, they will all have a special place in yours too.
I had the privelage of volunteering at the school of hope for 2 weeks. The teachers and other faculty were incredibly welcoming. This kids radiate positivity and are balls of energy. Everyone is incredibly grateful for all the help they receive and all the help they definitely deserve.
surrounded by mountains and filled with positivity and laughter, the school is a place the children and staff look forward to going to every day because they know it's changing lives. as a volunteer there you are welcomed warmly and made to feel useful for however long you stay. it makes a big difference if you speak spanish or are improving as the kids dont speak much english.
An absolutely incredible charity! I spent almost 5 months volunteering at the school in Jocotenango, and it was an amazing place to work. All of the staff are wonderfully dedicated to the vision they share for the project and the kids themselves are truely amazing children who love having volunteers work with them and who you will love seeing everyday and help to learn. You become friends with them as well as staff in their eyes. The only difficult aspect of working there was the day I had to leave and say goodbye to the kids!
From the moment you step onto EFTC's campus you can tell it is a special place. The staff is entirely welcoming and they set their volunteers up for success.
The school takes a holistic approach to education ensuring that their students are well fed, healthy, and receiving all the attention they need to flourish despite their difficult circumstances. This includes parent trainings, scholarship services, on site psychologists, a school nurse, two meals a day, and a qualified staff that makes it all happen.
The school is full of laughter and truly is creating a place of hope in Jocotenango. I would highly recommend volunteering here or doing what you can to ensure that the organization gets to continue its incredible work in Guatemala.
EFTC is one of the most incredible non-profits I have ever worked with. The work done at their School of Hope is nothing short of magic. Having served as a volunteer at the school for the last 5 months, I have witnessed firsthand the impact the school has on the lives of the children it serves.
Utilizing a holistic approach to education, the school provides much more than quality academic learning (which is on par with or better than national government standards). Students receive psychological and social services, healthy and nutritious meals, regular medical check-ups, and, if they successfully graduate, scholarships for high school and university.
The teachers are friendly and do a great job of involving and making use of eager volunteers. The volunteer program is organized and incredibly well run. And the kids...well, they are some of the most amazing, sweet, loving kids you’ll ever meet. Even with as little as they have in this world, and as much as you might think they have to be sad about...they still show up every day with a smile.
If you’re seeking a rewarding and inspiring volunteer experience, be sure to check out EFTC.
I took a later in life career break and spent several months at the School of Hope. The school welcomes volunteers and allow you to bring your skills to a variety of roles. My Spanish was very rusty but I was paired with an English class and by the end I was helping in Spanish too. This place is such a heart warming, loving and caring place and seeing the students develop in a safe environment is fantastic. I love the School and what it stands for. I visit every year now!
I spent a year teaching English at The School of Hope in Guatemala. In addition to the amazing students at the school, it is obvious that the staff is doing the best they can to create a foundation that truly puts its students first. It is an amazing, inspiring place to visit, and an incredible organization to be involved with.
My experience as an English teacher with EFTC was wonderful! The program provides children with a well-rounded educational experience, catering to not only their educational needs but their emotional and physical needs as well. The staff is amazing, and I am so glad to have had the experience and to be part of the EFTC family!
Education For The Children is an incredibly engaged, dedicated, and inspiring organization. Not only is it a space of classroom learning, but it is also a place for growth and well-being beyond just the academic aspect. The all-encompassing approach to education and childhood development provides a complete framework, ranging from nutritional meals and health services and life skills to outdoor activities and therapy spaces such as The Garden of Hope to long-term sponsorship programs ensuring sustainable learning and stability and attention given to each child. The awareness of both local and international spheres is remarkable; as an organization it always considers how to be culturally adapted and engaging whilst at the same time ensuring the children have opportunities reaching far and wide through bilingual programs and the school’s international outreach and relevance. Volunteers, teachers, staff members, and sponsors from around the world all come from their different paths of life to share, experience and contribute to the growth and development of children who, despite their challenging living conditions, are hard-working, positive and caring, and make the school a truly wonderful place.
As of me taking a little bit of time out of my day to type this review, I have officially been working/volunteering with EFTC at the School of Hope in Jocotenango for over a month. I've loved my time here so far, and I can honestly say that the services provided by this school and this foundation are invaluable and irreplaceable. Children at the school receive an education that would be otherwise inaccessible; and the joy on their faces we see every morning as they filter through the gates and into school is absolutely heartwarming.
Along with education, EFTC has an outstanding support infrastructure for its students. The School provides two meals per day, water filtration systems to the classrooms, and the homes of many students, and other things many take for granted like a school nurse, school psychologist, and computer labs. Additionally, graduates receive a full scholarship to continue their education through high school and university. When you see everything going on at the school, you can't help but believe in the mission that the students and staff are working so diligently to achieve.
Volunteering with EFTC has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and I've heard many volunteers talk about their plans to return even before they've left. I'd highly recommend supporting the foundation through whichever means work for you, with coming to Guatemala and spending time at the school being at the top of that list.
I first discovered this NGO during my gap year in 2009. The foundation has such an impressive model, not only are they providing education to the students at the school, but they have numerous initiatives that help further break down barriers so that the entire families of each student reap the rewards of higher education. The education provided at the school is based on evidence-based models and includes life skills as well as health and wellness. Not only does EFTC make sure that the students are taught important skills and material that will provide them with opportunities throughout life, but they also help create a safe, healthy living environment for these children at home. Children that attend the school are fed nutritional meals every day at school. At home, their families are provided with access to water filters and clean, safe cooking stoves and, when the need arises, the foundation provides help for families needing food assistance. The foundation has clear expectations for the families of those enrolled in the program, and they provide assistance with the understanding that these families will comply and be actively involved in their children's education. I have returned to the school four times since my initial trip because I found it to be such a wonderful place filled with happy, appreciative students and their families. I truly support the foundation and all the amazing work that they do.