My Nonprofit Reviews

People for Guatemala exceeded my expectations! The organization I volunteer with partners with PFG during the summer. I have never come in contact with a local organization as sustainable and well organized as People for Guatemala. The founders and staff are incredibly tuned in to the needs of the local communities in the San Martin area. I cannot sing enough praises to this organization for making our experience genuine, special, and extraordinary.

Years ago I volunteered with a group in an international setting whose mission was to create life-long humanitarians. Although the experience was memorable, a key component was missing from their vision: local service. My local service opportunity enabled me to work closely with young children who were struggling with reading. This experience helped me to see the value of continual service at one location.

My international service experience in Kenya was awe-inspiring. On our final day of teaching, we visited the Kamuteria Primary School. I had the opportunity to teach in their Special Needs classroom, and from the moment I stepped into the room, I knew my life was changed forever. About 30 individuals with disabilities, ranging in age from 5 – 20+ years, filled the small and crowded school room. I walked around and shook hands with each one and asked their names. The teacher followed me and helped to voice the names of students that were nonverbal. One boy with autism quickly caught my eye. Paris was a bright-eyed active young boy who couldn’t sit still enough to remain in a chair and was fascinated by interactions with others. I knew the moment he threw his crayons out the window and then left the room to retrieve him, that I had a good one on my hands. He and the other students enjoyed looking at pictures of animals and recreating the noises and movements they make. They colored Spiderman coloring pages, sang and danced to “Abiyoyo,” and thoroughly enjoyed the balloon time. Picture 10 balloons floating around the room and hearing squeals of excitement each time one popped and you’ll begin to understand the magic of that moment. Just before leaving the class, I viewed a demonstration of how one of the students makes placemats. Not only does she make the placemats, but she teaches other students how to make them. This is an incredibly important aspect to this classroom, to prepare the students to earn money. Finally, the entire school gathered under a large tree and performed several songs and dances for us. We felt extremely honored to be their guests that day. Then the students from the Special Needs class presented gifts in the form handicrafts made by their parents to our group. Several of us accepted gifts and expressed our gratitude to the students as tears filled our eyes. That day was so life-changing for me that since returning to the United States I have begun collecting money to help build a dormitory, kitchen, and extra classrooms for those students with Special Needs. What a beautiful moment in my life that will never be forgotten.

My life-changing experience with Youthlinc has truly enhanced my life-long goals to serve others both near and far.

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