2023 NEWSLETTER
Transformative Education. Empowering change.
FROM THE DESK OF CATHY HART
EXECUTIVE BOARD Mark Ruff Chair Diane Kozlak Vice Chair Joe Hammel Secretary Cindy Sattler Treasurer Kendall Bishop Cheri Broadhead John Bruellman Milton del Cid Carlos R. Cruz Danell Gibbins Davor Grgic Marlene Lopez Ibarra Skip McCowan Nancy Norling Chris Osgood Becky Stumpf Katie Sullivan Bill Wagner Vince Walker HONORARY BOARD Arizona Ron Kelly California Lia Huber Gerry Morrison Florida Larry Meyer Peggy Meyer Illinois Mary Pasquinelli Minnesota Stan Amidon Annette Atkins Ann Bloomquist Eric Bloomquist Kim Culp Robert Fafinski, Jr. Ed Flaherty B arbara Kopp J im McDonald M ike Menzel Dick Palen Greg Palen Glen Taylor J ohn Watson New York Greg Scherer
Dear Common Hope community, I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. As we make our way through the fall season, I am filled with gratitude and excitement about the progress our organization has made this year, and for the work ahead. Before sharing other updates, I’d like to acknowledge the leadership and dedication of our outgoing Executive Director, Shari Blindt, who retired in June of this year. Shari was a driving force behind the growth and impact of Common Hope over the years, and her tireless efforts have deepened how we serve families and students in Guatemala. As she moves into this new chapter of her life, I know the Common Hope community joins me in celebrating her many contributions with deep appreciation. A transition of this magnitude marks a time of reflection and rejuvenation. In that spirit, I am honored to step into the role of Executive Director on an interim basis, ensuring continuity in our program operations and assisting the Board of Directors as they search for an Executive Director to lead the organization into the future. I’m committed to continuing the legacy of excellence that Common Hope embodies and to fostering our core values of empathy, responsibility, proactivity, curiosity, teamwork, and hope. As we look ahead, I am excited to lead the organization through this first year of our new Strategic Plan. This roadmap charts an ambitious but achievable course for the coming years, with goals to expand our reach, deepen our impact, and adapt to the evolving needs of the communities we serve in Guatemala. Our commitment to collaboration remains unwavering, and we are dedicated to forging partnerships that amplify our efforts and enable us to create lasting change. In line with this strategic plan, we are exploring innovative ways to harness technology for education, professional skills development, and access to vital resources. The world is rapidly changing, and we believe that by embracing these changes, we can better equip our students and their families for success in an increasingly interconnected and dynamic environment. In closing, I want to express my profound gratitude for your continued support. Common Hope is not just an organization – it is a community bound by the shared belief in the power of education, opportunity, and compassion. As we navigate these transitions and embark on a new chapter, I invite you to join hands with us as we strive to create a world where every student and family can reach their full potential. Thank you for being an integral part of the Common Hope journey. Together, we can transform lives and build a brighter future. Warmly and mil gracias, Cathy Hart
Executive Director
International Joe Shank Leslie Shank OUR FOUNDERS The Huebsch Family
Members of Common Hope Familias de Esperanza team.
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OUR PROMISE
To work alongside families to fulfill their commitment and educational dreams for their children, while building better lives for themselves. The Antigua Valley and Guatemala are both becoming sought after destinations for tourism, technology, and software-based industries. As the area changes we want to ensure that our programs are still relevant and impactful for the families we serve. Common Hope remains committed to providing resources that empower students and families to achieve their goals and dreams well into the future.
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ADDRESSING EDUCATIONAL DISPARITIES The struggle for grade promotion and employment Students engaging in diagnostic testing for academic assessment.
Personalized one-on-one tutoring
Computer and technology skills workshop.
A student’s affiliation with Common Hope improves access to education and increases school enrollment rates, resulting in more students completing high school. However, despite these efforts, the Guatemalan education system and its students are still facing numerous challenges. Only 2.8 percent of Guatemala’s gross domestic product is allocated towards education, which results in insufficient funding for teacher training, low educational quality, and ultimately affects student learning outcomes and job readiness. When the traditional education system falls short in providing students with the necessary skills and knowledge to progress to the next grade level or secure employment post-graduation, it perpetuates a cycle of failing grades, grade repetition, and unemployment. Although a high school diploma can boost job opportunities, the increasing number of graduates has created more competition for limited job opportunities. In 2018, only one job was created for every 18 people entering the job market. This makes the job search process highly competitive. Common Hope’s impact goes beyond just earning a diploma. As Guatemala’s economy evolves, there is a growing demand for expanded skill sets. Common Hope’s programs aim to help bridge the learning gaps that students may face due to low educational quality. SCAN TO LEARN MORE
THE FUTURE OF GUATEMALA IS NOW
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LOOKING TOWARDS THE FUTURE Nurturing confident, capable, and employable graduates At Common Hope, we strongly believe in the transformative power of education. It is our belief that investing in education is one of the most important things a family can do to secure a brighter future for their children. We are committed to providing our students with the tools and skills they need to succeed in Guatemala’s highly competitive and evolving job market. To achieve this goal, we have developed comprehensive programs that include technology training, English language courses, and skill-building workshops. These programs are designed to give our students an advantage when it comes to finding employment after graduation. The skills learned in these programs ensure that our students are well-prepared for the next chapters of their academic careers as well as in their professional lives. Our students aspire to drive forward progressive change, and our programs are designed to empower them to reach their full potential. As of 2023, our educational support programs are available to 3,990 students. VOCATIONAL ORIENTATION Vocational orientation is a program for 9thgrade students to explore career options using assessments that identify their interests and skills. During orientation, students research and analyze careers and schools to be informed on the opportunities and options available. This process helps them establish clear perspectives and expectations for their futures. The program promotes self-discovery, time management, and goal setting. This enables students to confidently choose their desired career paths, ultimately leading to better futures for themselves and their families. ENGLISH LANGUAGE In today’s job market, proficiency in English is highly sought after and can lead to numerous opportunities for students. The English program strives to equip students with strong oral and written communication skills in English. Upon completion of the program, students will receive a certificate of English proficiency to enhance their resumes and improve their chances of employment. Our students are eager about learning English for future employment opportunities and to interact with visitors and their sponsors.
DIAGNOSTIC TESTING Assessing students’ strengths and weaknesses is essential for their learning development. Diagnostic tests serve as a valuable tool to measure their progress. Students ages 6, 9, 12, and 15 are undergoing annual evaluations to gauge their understanding of various educational subjects. By identifying a student’s strengths, educators can provide personalized learning solutions to help them stay on track and succeed in school. GRADUATION WORKSHOPS To enhance their employability after graduation, all seniors at Common Hope participate in graduation workshops. These workshops aim to improve their resume writing, cover letter drafting, and interview skills and other important soft and hard skills. By attending these workshops, students can confidently initiate the job search process. This program encourages students to pursue further education or study courses to achieve their career goals and secure employment within a year of graduating.
At the beginning of the year, families meet with their social workers to learn about all of the programs we offer. Together, they set goals for how their children will participate in our educational support programs. 5
ROBOTICS: INNOVATIVE LEARNING At Common Hope, we are committed to providing relevant programs and support for our student’s future. Right now, our students are exploring the exciting world of math and science through robotics. We believe that curiosity and learning are an essential part of personal growth and development. Through project-based learning, our students are developing their critical and logical thinking skills. In robotics, students get to build, program, and learn how to code robots, thereby gaining valuable knowledge and skills that are useful in their academic and professional futures.
FOSTERING CRITICAL AND CREATIVE THINKING SKILLS
robotics
...TO SUPPORT TOMORROW’S INNOVATORS CREATIVITY & COLLABORATION With facilitator support, students are encouraged to be curious and are challenged to push the boundaries of creativity. For most students, this is their first introduction to coding and robotics and they are eager to collaborate with one another. The program just like robots has many moving pieces and has helped students learn to delegate tasks, develop valuable leadership skills and enhance their technical abilities. The learning style of the course allows students to customize their robots, learn from failures, and improve their designs, leading to a greater sense of accomplishment and confidence. Robotics has been a successful way to engage Common Hope’s young learners and help them develop vital soft and hard skills. “Student’s drive to succeed and explore new ideas is inspiring, leading them to independently create innovative projects and find solutions to problems”. -Saúl Velásquez, Technology Facilitator
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Saúl Velásquez & Yonatan Jerónimo, Technology Facilitators
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NEW HOPE SCHOOL the journey back to in-person learning In February, New Hope School resumed full-time in-person classes for 266 students who had been learning remotely or through hybrid models for the past three years. Even though most students felt excited to be back in school, it was still a little intimidating for some. Luckily New Hope faculty has implemented various strategies to ensure that students feel safe, enjoy learning, and emerge stronger than before. Creating an environment where students feel welcomed and secure has been crucial during this year of change. The staff’s goal is to help students overcome academic challenges while fostering a positive attitude toward learning. This year of change has brought back excitement as students are learning lessons and skills face-toface, leading to improved attendance and academic achievement. IN SCHOOL A heavy emphasis has been placed on creating a safe and welcoming environment to protect students’ physical and emotional health. A safe learning environment promotes student well-being, academic success, and a stronger desire to attend school. To ensure students receive the support they need, there has been a focus on collaboration and adaptive teaching methods to meet the individual needs of students. Meeting students where they are at is crucial for achieving a significant and longlasting change. It provides valuable insights into the needs, preferences, and challenges they may be facing. This approach promotes a sense of value and happiness among students by actively incorporating their individual opinions and feelings.
AFTER SCHOOL Not all learning happens in the classroom. New Hope wants to ensure that students are engaged even after the school day is over so they can become competent, confident, and prepared for high school. A variety of extracurricular activities are offered that allow students to, have fun, explore new interests, and develop essential skills. These include Soccer, Zumba, Pickleball, and Robotics. New Hope provides a well-rounded education to prepare students for success beyond sixth grade. “Our focus on education prioritizes curiosity and fun. We want to know what students will find interesting to promote engaged learning.”- Elsa García, School Administrative Director
Transforming New Hope School into a Model School of the Future Diego Ovando has worked in education for 15 years and is now the academic director of New Hope School. He offers a fresh perspective on how to help students and faculty adjust to the new normal after the pandemic. He and the rest of the faculty are eager to maintain the excitement of reopening and position New Hope as a model school for the future. For me, a model school of the future is a school that enhances individual skills, emphasizes the importance of values, and forms tiny students into good citizens who are multipliers of positive change in their communities I have a vision for New Hope School to grow without limitations. My dream is to transform our school into a bilingual institution, incorporating technology, and expanding our educational reach. We currently serve students between the ages of 4 and 12, but I aspire to provide education for students up to 18 years old. I want to incorporate an atmosphere where all accomplishments are celebrated to help maintain motivation and create a sense of achievement. My goal is to reinforce the culture of setting and achieving goals within our educational institution. - Diego 8
New Hope Faculty
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PATHWAY Where there is hope, there’s a pathway forward. We recognize that every student in Guatemala faces unique obstacles. From health to housing, family size to geographic location--no two students are the same. The method of The Pathway supports students using an unrestricted giving model which gives our team in Guatemala the resources needed to support each student at a case by case basis. Monthly contributions as a Pathway member are a beacon of hope for the future. The Pathway of Dreams is a brick pathway that winds through Common Hope’s campuses in the cities of Antigua and New Hope. Each brick on the path is engraved with the name of a Common Hope graduate. When a family partners with Common Hope, they are encouraged to walk down the pathway and consider their goals and dreams. On graduation day, students once again walk down the Pathway to receive their diploma––their brick joining the others as a permanent marker of their achievement and an inspiration to other students. Join The Pathway: commonhope.org/pathway 10
OFELIA’S STORY: EMBRACING SECOND CHANCES Meet Ofelia, a resilient student who faced academic challenges last year, leading her to repeat her senior year. This was tough for her as she missed the chance to graduate and celebrate with her friends and was eager to close out her high school chapter and receive her diploma. Despite this setback, Ofelia’s determination remained unwavering. She shared her aspiration of becoming a primary school teacher with the educational support staff, and together they created a plan to enroll Ofelia in Common Hope’s support programs to help her stay on track this new school year. As the new academic year unfolded, Ofelia embraced her senior year with a fresh start. With her dreams of the future guiding her she was determined to seize this second opportunity to achieve her educational goal and make a positive impact on her community. Her new outlook and dedication to her schoolwork has paid off, earning her a place on the honor roll and an internship at a local school. Ofelia actively participates in Common Hope’s programs, standing out as a strong leader who utilizes the support she receives as fuel for her future. With newfound confidence and an unwavering sense of determination, she will be graduating in 2023 and her name will have a permanent place on the Pathway of Dreams. Today, she stands as a shining example of the transformative power of second chances. Exciting news awaits her, as she has been informed of a potential position at the school based on her outstanding internship performance. Sponsors: Michael and Laurie F., MN
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Common Hope’s mission is to promote hope and opportunity in Guatemala, partnering with children, families, and communities who want to participate in a process of development to improve their lives through education, health care, and housing.
COMMON HOPE 1410 Energy Park Drive Suite 4 St. Paul, MN 55108
NON-PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID TWIN CITIES MN PERMIT NO 594
USE OF FUNDS Fundraising - 6%
Management - 13% Programs - 81%
3-year 3-year averageaverage
Common Hope is a 501(c)(3) not-forprofit corporation founded in 1986 and is audited annually. Contributions are 100% tax deductible as allowed by law.
PRIMARY CONTACTS US » Common Hope Cathy Hart, Executive Director 1410 Energy Park Drive, Suite 4 St. Paul, MN 55108 p hone 651.917.0917 www.commonhope.org GUATE » Familias de Esperanza REBECCA SANBORN, Country Director Km. 2 Carretera a San Juan del Obispo Antigua, 03901 Sacatepéquez Guatemala, Centro América EDITORIAL TEAM » ADAM MEYER, Associate Director of Marketing & Events COURTNEY STROBEL, Marketing Assistant RENATO WESTBY, Director of Education REBECCA SANBORN, Country Director Cathy Hart, Executive Director
Join the Common Hope Team and Spread Holiday Cheer! Discover the magic of Guatemala at our holiday market! On December 10th, let’s come together to celebrate and make a meaningful impact. Shop our market and take a piece of Guatemala home with you. When you purchase our gifts, you’re not only spreading joy but also supporting Common Hope families and local artisans in Antigua, Guatemala. Let’s make this holiday season a season of giving.
ALL ARE WELCOME
See you at the market! 12-5pm, La Doña Cervecería | 241 Fremont Ave. N Minneapolis, MN 55405