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Nurturing Motivated Children in Guatemala

Picture a village where there are no education opportunities beyond the 6th grade. Typically only boys will make it even this far. It is rare if young girls from this village make it past the 2nd or 3rd grade. The students have no place at home to study or do their homework. When the children do leave school, at grade 6 or earlier, they begin working with their family in the fields, home, or wherever the most help is needed. In this village (Vuelta Grande, Guatemala), childhood ends quickly.

Now imagine selecting a small group of children each year from this same village that are given the funding, support, and resources necessary to attend a private secondary school in nearby Antigua. That’s exactly what Young Dreamer Network has done. Not only are these children provided financial support to further their education, but they are given the mentorship and encouragement necessary for success. These children are becoming leaders in their community, and a source of inspiration for their family and peers.

The scholarship program funds their tuition, uniforms, shoes, supplies, materials, class trips, transportation to and from school, and any other educational needs that arise. Young Dreamer Network is in close partnership with a local organization called La Union, which serves as a type of "case worker" for these children, keeping up with their progress and providing extra attention around exams.

The first class of scholarship recipients was made up of 5 boys chosen through an interview process, along with teacher recommendations and consideration of academic performance. Students and parents were asked about the children's ambitions, aspirations, and how they envisioned their future both with and without the continuation of their education. Ultimately, the students chosen were ones who showed the most potential in terms of their academic and leadership qualities, as well as their willingness to serve their community. This class has now graduated and moved on to the next level of schooling.

Not only has the Young Dreamer Network adopted these students, but also their families, donating clothes and other basic necessities. One huge initiative was to create a study space for each scholarship recipient. By building additional bedrooms in each home, the children now have a place at home to complete daily homework assignments and get a good night's sleep. The Young Dreamer Network now supports more than 20 teens in Vuelta Grande and we are constantly searching for ways to support them in the pursuit of their dreams. Consider sponsoring a child in Guatemala.

Maribel

Maribel was the very first girl to enroll in our program. She has been a bright beacon for girls in Vuelta Grande since kindergarten and continues to shine today. Sponsor a child in Guatemala

The Youngest Dreamers

We take several trips a year to Vuelta Grande to serve the community. Our work typically focuses on these elementary students. Join Us. Volunteer in Guatemala.

Hard at Work

Angel and Joselino were selected as members of our inaugural class. They have since graduated and moved on to the next level of schooling. See our selection process in action. Play Video

Dreams for the Future

These Young Dreamers are thriving as students, and planning their next steps in life. In this video they describe their dreams for the future. Play Video