Driven by a commitment to equal opportunities, Education for the Children has worked with thousands of disadvantaged young people and families from the Jocotenango area since 2003.
Our Mission Our Vision
That young people from all backgrounds have the ability to access quality education and opportunities for rewarding employment.
We aim to empower young people with the skills and confidence to be successful in their chosen careers.
Values 4 Pillars
Highly individualised approach
Long-term commitment
Holistic support
Community-centred
Education
Nutrition
Healthcare
Social Support
Highlights: Month by Month
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
We organized a Career Fair and one-on-one meetings to support our 9th graders as they prepared for high school
We launched the first in a series of entrepreneurship workshops a course to certify students as Spanish teachers
APRIL
EFTC entrepreneur Marcos Aquino opened his taco shop, El Sazón Mexicano, in the bustling Antigua Market, offering delicious local treats
JUNE
For the second year, we ran the School for Parents in collaboration with the Municipal Women’s Office, educating parents on positive discipline, emotional regulation, and bonding with their children
AUGUST
We launched a series of teacher trainings, focusing on project-based evaluations and individualised learning goals as part of our new EFTC methodology which we continued to develop throughout the year
OCTOBER
We held graduations for our 6th and 9th graders, as well as our first ever kindergarten graduation ceremony
Start of our first summer school since the pandemic, with 157 students participating in various educational activities
DECEMBER
We organized our fourth annual food drive, distributing food hampers and gifts to ensure all 352 families had a joyful Christmas This was made possible by donations from sponsors, staff, and our wider network
On 16 January, we welcomed 413 students back to the School of Hope for our first full year of uninterrupted in-person teaching since the pandemic We began the year with 180 scholarship students enrolled in further education
MARCH
We were finally able to reinstate tutoring and workshops, with students receiving support in math and literacy, and participating in activities from jewelry making to computer programming
MAY
On 16 May, we celebrated 20 years since EFTC was registered as a UK charity, marking two decades of transformative education and support for the Jocotenango community
JULY
For EFTC’s 20th Anniversary celebration, we hosted a vibrant multi-day fiesta attended by friends and supporters from all over Guatemala, the US, and the UK. Highlights included a carnival and a gala evening
SEPTEMBER
An incredible donation of 204 pairs of glasses from Dr Nadeem Ali and his team was distributed to 102 students.
In collaboration with the Labor Ministry, we hosted a job fair for the entire Jocotenango community, attended by over 770 people
NOVEMBER
Another entrepreneur, Israel Lopez, opened his own barber shop
2023: From Normalcy to New Beginnings
2023 was a return to normalcy, to routine, to stability It sounds mundane, but after the last three years, we relished it. From normalcy we progressed back to ingenuity, creativity, a drive to grow and improve everything we do. I saw our staff once again dreaming up new initiatives and brainstorming creative solutions to the problems we faced. Their eyes shining with possibility and satisfaction once more. Our programs ran normally, our students performed well, new initiatives throughout the program were launched.
2023 was not without its challenges too. We contended with the social and emotional fallout of the pandemic combined with growing pressures on a weary community who is forced to do more with less each year as prices rise but financial opportunity does not. We saw this through student behavior in the classroom, the increase in bullying, the rise in the number of students needing complex support and engaging in risky behavior. We also came to terms with the devastating academic impact of the pandemic alongside the need for the standard of education we offer as a whole to improve. A lot was put into place this year to address these challenges, but they remain at the forefront for next year and several years to come.
Sara Miller - USA Executive Director and former Project Director
Continued from Sara Miller
As always, as I write this a hundred images pass through my mind. The long line of parents and students waiting beneath the hot sun and in the chilly rain to attend the department wide career fair. Wringing their hands with nerves and anticipation. Our team dashing around to support the parents who cannot read nor write, helping them have the best chance at opportunity. The tiniest kindergartner who has already had to deal with far too much in such a short life ferociously scoring a goal and the pure joy radiating from him as he celebrated with his peers. Balloons floating off to the sky in honor of all of the students, families, and donors who have formed part of the last 20 years.
And lastly, saying goodbye to students and staff as I ended my tenure as Project Director. It has been a true honor and great joy to have led the organization in Guatemala for the last four and a half years. I am proud of the students and our team for all they have accomplished and grateful for the many things they have taught me. I am thankful to them for their faith in my leadership, their trust and transparency, and their unwavering commitment to a better future I look forward to my new role as EFTC USA Executive Director and I am thrilled to be leaving the organization in the talented hands of Sophie McKee. She is well versed in the organization and attuned to the needs of the community. I look forward to seeing what this next chapter holds for EFTC.
20 Years of Hope
We came together across countries, cultures, and languages to celebrate the monumental 20th Anniversary of EFTC. In looking back, we realized how far the organization had come, and started to focus once more on how far we aim to go.
The Carnival
Our team prepared a magical space to welcome families, sponsors, students and alumni.
The Gala
Guests from the UK, USA, and Guatemala came together for our gala dinner.
Our Staff
LocalTeamMembers
Female leadership
75 %
22
Guatemalan leadership
%
In 2023, we were able to reinstate 4 former full-time positions that we had not replaced during COVID.
56 positions in Guatemala; 53 full-time
12 permanent positions turned over during the year, making our staff retention rate 77.4%
One staff member celebrated their 20-year anniversary, one their 10-year anniversary, and three celebrated 5 years of service.
Pass Rate
Retention Rate
The initial student population at the School of Hope (kindergarten to 9th grade) for 2023 was 418 students, and 402 completed the year. Only 19 students are repeating, 8 in Primary School and 11 in Junior High. The highest concentration of students having to repeat was in 6th and 8th grade both of these groups are high risk with a lot of complex behavioral, educational, and social issues.
At the end of October, graduation ceremonies were held at the Los Llanos salon for 38 6th graders, and at the Jocotenango salon for 36 9th graders. We held our first ever simple kindergarten graduation ceremony on the school’s sports pitch.
Literacy & Mathematics
Literacy was a main area of focus during the 2023 school year. Alongside math, literacy is fundamental to student success but remains one of our weakest areas academically. The pandemic widened the knowledge gap in these subjects, and we continue to strive to close it.
Despite significant efforts to enhance our literacy program, progress was hindered by the absence of a Primary School Director for most of the year.
Early in the year, we restructured the primary school to allow one teacher to focus on literacy, language arts, and social studies, while another handled math and science, enabling more focused and effective teaching.
In kindergarten and lower primary, we implemented a Sensory Stimulation Program which aims to establish fundamental learning abilities, especially in language development.
For World Book Day, all Junior High students participated in a poetry competition. Later on, our 4th graders put on school plays to apply their literacy skills and engage with the Arts.
Mathematics similarly remains a challenging subject, and we took several measures to make the subject more accessible for students.
In May, we held our 2nd annual Maths Fair for all School of Hope students. They prepared and presented mathematical projects relevant to their daily lives, using educational manipulatives and everyday items to make math tangible and applicable.
We also strengthened our partnership with Math Kind, welcoming a group of teachers from Wisconsin. This collaboration focused on mutual mentorship rather than traditional training, fostering a teamwork approach.
Tutoring
In 2023, we were thrilled to finally reinstate tutoring and workshops for the first time since the pandemic. From March to July, small groups of students received individualised support in subjects where they needed it most, primarily focusing on maths and literacy. Teachers referred students to these tutoring sessions based on their specific needs.
Beyond tutoring, students stayed after school once a week to participate in various workshops, such as sports, jewelry making, cooking, and computer programming. These workshops allowed students to explore different talents and apply academic skills in diverse ways. Each student had the freedom to choose their preferred workshop.
& Workshops
Academic & Social Efforts
CURRICULUM
We always strive to make our curriculum accessible and sustainable for every student. Our continuous efforts with teachers and students aim to develop and refine our teaching approach.
However, discipline, particularly in grades 6-8, emerged as a significant challenge. The lasting impact of COVID-19 on student wellbeing, the adjustment to a full-time school schedule, and a high percentage of new teachers all contributed to these issues. Our team worked closely with students throughout the year to improve relationships, enhance classroom behavior, and mitigate risks.
This year, we initiated the creation of a new school-wide teaching methodology, blending various approaches like Universal Design for Learning (DUA) and project-based learning. This long-term project will take a few years to fully implement. One of the key changes in 2023 was the shift to project-based exams, which focus on applying knowledge rather than memorisation. For instance, 9th graders built and launched rockets for their physics exam, and students created rhythmic gymnastics routines for PE.
We integrated entrepreneurship into the junior high curriculum, teaching skills like budgeting, feasibility analysis, and business design. Students made and sold products such as soap and crafts, and participated in the Junior Achievement program, gaining essential financial skills. The annual entrepreneurial fair showcased their creativity, particularly in using recycled materials.
SOCIAL & BEHAVIORAL
We fully implemented Habilmind evaluations across different grade levels, including assessments of fundamental abilities, learning styles, social dynamics, bullying, and learning difficulties. These evaluations help us better understand and address student needs.
To manage behavior, we implemented a meditation program, ran an anti-bullying campaign, and continued using TrustBased Relational Intervention (TBRI) for addressing behavior in highly traumatised children.
We further developed our “Friendly Spaces”—the first period of each day revolved around values, life skills, and connecting with peers through teamwork.
Some Highlights
Día del Maiz
Corn is an essential part of much of Guatemala’s history. Through various lessons and activities, students got to connect with their heritage.
Independence Day
A vibrant celebration of national pride with traditional dances, cultural activities, and enriching student-led assemblies, Independence Day was extra special last year.
Annual Science Fair
Held at the municipal salon, this event allowed students to present their projects to guest judges and peers from other schools.
Merck Scientists’ Visit
Engaging experiments with everyday materials, led by a team of Merck scientists, further ignited our students' passion for science.
Summer School
For the first time since the pandemic, we held our Summer School program from the 23rd of October until the 21st of November. This was designed to keep students engaged and learning during the vacation period through a variety of interactive workshops.
Art Workshops
Cooking Technology
Educational Games
Sports
Meeting Our Prepas
Most of the 2024 kindergarten class attended daily to get acquainted with the school environment and their teachers, as we aimed to help our 42 little prepas transition smoothly into the new school year.
Festivities & Farewells
The last day of Summer School was a festive occasion. Students presented what they had learned over the past four weeks, with the school decorated for Christmas. The celebration ended with piñatas, ponche, and tamales.
However, it was also a bittersweet day as we bid farewell to Sara Miller, our Project Director, who has transitioned into her role as our full-time USA Executive Director. Heartfelt posters and warm hugs showed just how much Sara will be missed.
Our Families
In 2023, EFTC served 366 families through various initiatives aimed at fostering a strong school community and supporting parental involvement.
Quarterly Parent Conferences
At the full-day sessions, a new reporting system provided parents with greater insights into student development beyond just grades.
New Cooperative Program
1,200 hours completed
completed their hours
We are asking each nuclear family to complete 15 hours of community service, helping with repairs, construction, cleaning, and kitchen duties.
School for Parents
11 sessions held ca. 14 parents per session
For the second year, we ran sessions in collaboration with the Municipal Women’s Office from June to November. Topics included positive discipline, emotional regulation, self-esteem, and the importance of bonding with children.
Facts & Figures
62% of mothers & 47% of fathers have a primary school education or lower.
50% of parents started working fulltime at age 14 or younger.
The majority of parents feel that their children no longer face educational barriers thanks to EFTC’s support, with 87% citing the high quality of education as their main reason for choosing the School of Hope.
pecial Educati
Our Special Education Program continued to be a cornerstone of student success, led by Gustavo Gómez. We face unique challenges in diagnosing students' learning disabilities, often compounded by childhood trauma, lack of early developmental stimulation, and health and nutritional issues. Despite these challenges, our program is one of the most advanced in the region.
A major achievement this year has been the early and accurate detection of students' needs. Our holistic approach, combining health, psychological, language therapy, social services, and special education support, is showing promising results. Gustavo spends much of his time working one-on-one with students and also educates parents and trains school staff.
Speech therapy remains a vital part of our program. Mylin Castillo, an EFTC graduate, provided speech therapy as a consultant, helping students improve their articulation and communication skills. The program expanded with three speech therapy interns, allowing more comprehensive support. However, the sudden departure of these interns highlighted the need for a full-time speech therapist, a role Mylin fortunately agreed to take on in 2024.
We are very proud that all Special Education students progressed to the next grade level. Two students who “graduated” from speech therapy marked the occasion with a small celebration it was a very special moment.
New students to SPED programs in 2023
receiving speech therapy
Gustavo
At the end of 2022, w received a donation o Chromebooks from a U charter school, which we implemented in 9th an 6th grades. These provided students wit consistent access to computers during lesso
Technology
Despite recent donations, many vital pieces of tech equipment are nearing or past the end of their lifespan. Updating and expanding our technology remains a core focus to positively impact student learning.
This year, we ensured all core classrooms were equipped with either TVs or projectors.
We secured funding at the end of 2023 for further updates and expansion.
e increased the number laptops available for er grades by adding 26 ore units as a class set. his expansion allowed ore students to access hnology and improved the overall learning environment
We also supported our scholarship students by providing 129 laptops, and distributed 169 tablets from prepa to 5th grade.
Thanks to the generosity of one of our supporters, a color printer was installed much to the delight of the staff. Additionally, a failing black and white printer was replaced with a refurbished one. In total, 549,100 prints were made during the year.
We developed private websites for the school and the scholarship-level psychologist. These platforms allow teachers to post homework, track attendance, keep therapy session notes, and monitor student progress.
Nutrition
In 2023, Edwin Pocon and his de meals every day. With three fullfuelled our students’ learning. The his law studies, was a huge help in the kitchen. The team additionally welcomed Henry, an EFTC graduate taking a gap year to support his family, as a new cook.
A major highlight was the purchase of an industrial oven, opening up a world of culinary possibilities. From baking bread to preparing special cakes, the team expanded their skills and menu options. They even baked a cake for our 20th-anniversary celebration! Additionally, they hosted a nutrition workshop for parents, sharing valuable insights on healthy eating.
71,835 healthy snacks served
72,368 healthy lunches served
16 donations received, mainly bulk vegetables from local farms, helping to manage expenses while maintaining nutritional quality
Building Improvements
Our cleaning and maintenance team ensured that our school remained a safe and pleasant
Significant updates included converting the teachers' lounge into an art workshop, l h b f l
SOCIAL SERVICES Physical Health
Long term health cases managed 1045 102 397 23
Visits to the nurse’s office
In 2023, our dedicated school nurse Celena managed long-term medical cases, addressed spontaneous health needs, handled daily clinic activities, and spearheaded preventative health campaigns. Celena's commitment extended beyond the clinic as she facilitated referrals, sourced partnerships, purchased medications, and provided necessary support for complex health cases, often accompanying families to medical appointments.
Preventative health campaigns were a major focus this year. Celena coordinated paediatric evaluations, hearing exams, essential supplement provisions, and deworming treatments. She also organized health education workshops on topics such as oral hygiene, menstrual hygiene, and personal care. A significant highlight was the partnership with UK doctors from Moorfields Hospital, who screened all students' vision and provided 28% of them with much-needed glasses, significantly enhancing their ability to learn and participate in school activities.
Additionally, we introduced physical therapy services on-site, with consultant Renata providing therapy to seven students. This internal provision of services improved communication, attendance, and overall results compared to previous external outsourcing.
Students
Sexual Reproductive Health
We faced several challenges, yet made significant strides in our Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) initiatives. Initially, a science teacher was hired to cover SRH for junior high, but due to the complexity of the role, our nurse Celena, social services director Aracely, and psychologist Michelle took over, delivering quarterly workshops. These workshops, supported covered critical topics including violence and personal safety.
A highlight of the year was a comprehensive fair organized with WINGS for 5th to 9th graders, exploring SRH topics like healthy relationships and goal setting. Additionally, "Safe Spaces" sessions facilitated by WINGS specialists allowed students to discuss their SRH concerns privately and autonomously. A rise in junior high students requesting birth control led to updates in our SRH policy, ensuring informed and supported access to necessary resources.
For 2024, we have secured funding to hire a dedicated SRH Coordinator. This new position is crucial in a country like Guatemala, where topics around sexual health are often taboo and teen pregnancy is common The Coordinator will provide weekly classes, teacher and parent workshops, and individual sessions, ensuring that students receive the comprehensive support they need.
SOCIAL SERVICES & Mental Health
Throughout the 2023 school year, social services director Aracely and school psychologist Michelle played crucial roles in supporting students facing significant challenges, especially in grades 5 through 9. The complexity of student needs increased, and at times, non-urgent cases had to be put on hold due to high caseloads. Despite these challenges, they provided essential support, although fewer cases were resolved, leading to a high caseload at the start of 2024.
Their efforts extended beyond individual therapy, focusing on high-risk groups and implementing preventative measures. They conducted meditation workshops, assisted with the sexual reproductive health program, facilitated restorative processes, and launched various preventative campaigns. The expanded use of Habilmind screening tools allowed them to identify students needing support, understand interpersonal relationships, screen for bullying, and better address student behavior and needs.
46 students, including 33 from the School of Hope and 13 from the scholarship program, received help with bus fares to ensure they could continue their education without interruption, benefiting a total of 30 families.
20 new families received water filters from Ecofiltro, and 117 current families had their filters replaced, ensuring access to safe drinking water and improving overall health.
Psychology cases (17% of school population)
Most common reasons for referral to psychology
RTHER EDUCATION High School
Students enrolled
cholarship Program, led by long-term employee Patty Castillo, continued its mission to support our students' educational journeys. The team worked tirelessly and resourcefully to ensure that each student had the best possible chance to succeed. Their combined efforts, along with the dedication and commitment of our students, resulted in notable improvements in retention, graduation, and pass rates.
Repeat Rate
High School Graduates
RTHER EDUCATION High School
y , program ran a Saturday School at the start of the year, focusing on first-year high school students who needed extra support during their transition to new schools and responsibilities. This initiative provided tutoring and engagement opportunities, helping to monitor and enhance participation, adaptation, and attendance.
GRADUATIONS
SATURDAY SCHOOL
As a reward for their hard work, highperforming high school and university students enjoyed a special trip to the amusement park IRTRA, a memorable experience that recognized their achievements and provided a welldeserved break.
The scholarship team celebrated the accomplishments of our high school graduates with a special ceremony at the Foundation, in addition to the ceremonies held at their respective schools. Witnessing the joy and pride of our graduates, who have overcome significant challenges, is always a highlight of the year. However, this year saw lower participation in the celebration and a cancellation of the annual group activity due to students' increasing work commitments.
URTHER EDUCATION University
University Students
In 2023, all of our students enrolled in private universities were able to study in person. However, due to ongoing protests and the suspension of classes at the public university USAC, many 2022 graduates opted for private universities in 2023. Those few who continued with USAC either had programs that were not interrupted, had no other viable options, or chose to stay for personal reasons. USAC remained virtual throughout the year, with plans to resume in-person learning in 2024. Some students did attend practical courses in person as needed.
Regardless of whether our university students graduate, every semester and course they complete significantly enhances their quality of life and job prospects. The most popular majors among our students include psychology, law, business administration, engineering, and nursing.
We were thrilled to celebrate one university graduate in 2023: Jose Alejandro
Alejandro worked incredibly hard, balancing his studies with a demanding job in construction. Despite these challenges, he excelled in his physics and mathematics degree, graduating at the top of his class. His outstanding performance earned him a recommendation from his professor for a teaching position at a local private school, where he began working at the start of 2023.
Al j d l t ib t d t the Foundation by tutoring junior high and high school students in m he spirit of giving back to the community.
Cubur Pérez.
URTHER EDUCATION Mental Health
Ilse Galindo continued her impactful work as the psychologist for our further education students, marking her fifth year in this crucial role. Ilse dedicated most of her time to providing individual therapy, where she offered a steady support system and empathetic guidance. Her sessions covered goal setting, interpersonal relationships, family issues, and referrals for sexual reproductive health education.
Ilse also conducted workshops on vital topics such as sexual reproductive health, coping strategies, adaptation, and emotional regulation. For the third consecutive year, she administered the Habilmind emotional wellbeing screening, helping to better understand and support the mental health of our students.
Despite the challenges, including the sudden departure of a psychology intern, Ilse’s commitment remained unwavering, providing our teenagers and young adults with the mental health support they needed to thrive academically and personally.
FURTHER EDUCATION Graduations
FURTHER EDUCATION Impact Story
Henry joined EFTC in 2020, driven by an unyielding determination to pursue his education despite significant hardships. He had worked tirelessly after school and on weekends to put himself through junior high. Upon graduating from 9th grade, Henry sought assistance from the Foundation because he couldn't afford to finance high school, even in the public system. Costs rise significantly between each school level, especially for high school. From the first meeting, our team was struck by his maturity and resolve.
Despite facing numerous challenges, including financial stresses, lack of electricity at home, and balancing work and school at such a young age, Henry excelled academically. He earned high grades in junior high and was determined to study tourism. Just before the pandemic closed schools, Henry started high school in the tourism program. Undeterred, he continued his studies, peddling goods on the streets with one headphone in, listen h h l e borrowed his neighbor's electricity to charge his phone at night.
Throughout high school, He ctful, and engaged. He volunteered at the Foundation every opportunity offered. Graduating top of his class in ntinue his education in law at university. He also brought ation, seeking a scholarship for her high school education.
At the start of 2023, Henry noticed EFTC was looking for a short-term substitute in the kitchen. Needing work experience and having some culinary skills from his tourism studies and home, he stepped up. Henry excelled in the role and was soon hired full-time as a school cook. Balancing long days in the kitchen with night classes, he successfully completed his first year of law school. He became the first in his family to hold a professional job with a good salary and benefits, inspiring his younger sister to follow in his footsteps.
URTHER EDUCATION Employment
In 2023, career counsellor Diana Gómez guided graduating high school students through vocational testing and the USAC exams, helping them explore employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. Diana also prepared students for job applications, interviews, and job searches. We connected students with job opportunities, participated in job fairs, and conducted workshops on CV preparation and workplace norms.
Key data from our annual scholarship student survey highlights that many students must work full-time while pursuing their studies to support their families. This work experience is crucial in Guatemala's competitive job market. Received a good job during the year
FURTHER EDUCATION Job Fair
In 2023, we proudly hosted a community-wide job fair at EFTC in partnership with the Labor Ministry. The team worked tirelessly to maximise this opportunity. They organized workshops to prepare parents and students, collected dozens of CVs, and promoted the event widely within the community. They also provided crucial support to parents who cannot read or write, ensuring the fair was accessible to everyone. Additionally, 15 of our students were prioritized to be first to participate.
23 large companies participated.
Approximately 770 CVs were submitted during the job fair. Within two weeks, 152 people were hired as a result of the fair.
31 parents and former EFTC students, and 62 scholarship students submitted applications.
6 students were interviewed at the job fair, with an additional 7 interviewed later in the month.
The Labor Ministry also selected two of our students to join a work training program at Panadely, a large bakery chain, offering them valuable work experience.
Our ultimate goal is to ensure students secure stable, well-paying jobs, providing them and their families with a higher quality of life. Education opens the door to opportunities, but navigating the job market in Guatemala requires more. Our employment services, vocational testing, and orientation help students discover their talents and define their paths, equipping them with the tools they need to succeed.
Thanks to
FURTHER EDUCATION Entrepreneurship Small Businesses
EFTC's Entrepreneurship Program, supported by Project Apoyo, has been transforming lives since 2020. In its fourth year, it has grown and improved, providing start-up funding for students with innovative business ideas. Since the program's inception, Project Apoyo has supported six entrepreneurs, with the 5th and 6th launching in 2023.
Meet Our Newest Entrepreneurs
Marcos
Aquino
- El Sazón Mexicano
In April 2023, Marcos opened his taco shop, El Sazón Mexicano, in the Antigua Market. His delicious food and the market's foot traffic have kept his shop busy. Marcos received funding from Project Apoyo to buy essential cooking equipment, allowing him to see a profit. Despite political upheaval that temporarily closed the market, Marcos reported a solid profit in his first year. He also inspired students at the School of Hope with a motivational talk about his journey.
Israel Lopez - Elegant Barber Shop André
In November 2023, Israel opened Elegant Barber Shop André in San Miguel Escobar. Israel, one of EFTC's earliest students, received support from Project Apoyo to cover equipment and start-up costs. His shop offers haircuts, face shaving, and facials, attracting many clients who make appointments. Israel is the first entrepreneur under the new repayment approach, where he will start repaying the cost of the main equipment in January 2025. The repayments will support future entrepreneurs, with funds from Elías's successful barber shop funding Israel's start-up.
FURTHER EDUCATION Entrepreneurship Workshops
In 2023, our entrepreneurship workshops provided valuable skills and opportunities for our scholarship students. The workshops included Spanish teacher certification, makeup art, and basic electrical work, each running for three months.
Additionally, Hair Aid hosted a week-long hair cutting course, equipping participants with comprehensive kits to start their own hair-cutting businesses. This initiative included junior high students, parents, scholarship students, and participants from the local NGO CasaSito. Several of the participants have reported using their new skills to generate a small income.
19 students attended these workshops, learning practical skills and receiving materials to start their own small businesses.
Visitors & Volunteers
In 2023, EFTC welcomed 57 volunteers and 117 visitors to Guatemala. Many volunteers were long-term classroom assistants, while visitors included sponsors, tour participants, and one-day activity attendees.
Notable groups included eye doctors on a medical mission, teachers from Math Kind, a pilot trip by Venture Force for future high school visits, and Hair Aid, which provided an entrepreneurial hair-cutting course. Additionally, students from Guatemala City donated food baskets and volunteered for our annual Christmas hamper drive.
We also hosted Julia, a co-op intern from Northeastern University, who significantly contributed to our Communications and Marketing efforts during her three-month stay. She made an impact on our communications—and the students and the team had a huge impact on her too.
rnerstone of our nned 557 letters to changes and our personalised video of letters. Sponsors r their students by sending 307 food hampers and 251 birthday and Christmas gifts. Several sponsors were able to visit the school.
One very special visit was that of Tom and Jane Buch, who traveled to Guatemala for the first time since the pandemic to see Jennifer graduate from high school. They have sponsored Jennifer since she was in the 6th grade and have a very special bond with her and her family. During 2023, for the second year, they paid for private English classes for Jennifer as she was applying for a college scholarship in the USA. They also had video calls with her regularly and helped her with anything she needed. Seeing them at her graduation and the clear, deep bond they share was very inspiring. They cherish each other and have made a big difference in each other’s lives.
The Education for the Children Foundation is a combination of three separate legal entities registered in the UK, USA and Guatemala
FOUNDATION
UK
Fundraising
Strategic Direction
Project Management
USA
Fundraising
Strategic Direction
Project Management
Guatemala
Project Operations
Financial Summary
SOURCES OF INCOME
SOURCE OF FUNDRAISING
Summary of the consolidated accounts of Education for the Children Foundation in the three countries of UK, USA & Guatemala for the period from 1st January 2023 to 31st December 2023. The statutory accounts are independently examined by a Chartered Accountant in each country and approved by the trustees/board before being submitted to the appropriate regulatory authorities in each of the three countries.
BREAKDOWN BY AREA
“2023 was the year we fully re-established the energy and effectiveness of the many programmes affected by the Covid years. Although we remain aware of the longer-term difficulties caused by the pandemic, we are amazed by the resilience of our students and the entire team in Guatemala. We look forward with huge confidence for the future and–as ever–we are humbled by the constant support we receive from the EFTC community.”
David McKee, EFTC Founder and Executive Officer
Healthcare & Mental Health
Abbott
Club De Leons
Colgate
Fundación Sonrisas que Escuchan
Rekko 8
Jocotenango health center
Visualiza WINGS
Habilmind
Education & Training Partners
Asociacion para Liderazgo en Guatemala (ALG)
Antigua International School
Champions REdI
URL
USAC
Corporate Partners
Merck Centroamérica
Trusts and Foundations
The Paquita Filby Trust
The Souter Charitable Trust
The Foundation for Education to Improve Family Planning
The SJP Charitable Foundation & Community Grant
The Kate Farrer Foundation
The Tula Trust
La Vida
Social Support
Guatemala Sur Rotary Club
Ecofiltro
Casa Pa'nibal
Dirección Municipal de la Mujer
Other local partners
Local Artisans & Businesses (auction donations)
EL NIDO (collective expression through art)
Finca Tijonel (vegetable donations)
UK Partnerships
Schools/Universities
Lady Bay Primary School
Nottingham Girls High School
Rushcliffe School
Donations made in late 2022 that continued to fund our programs throughout 2023
