Our Challenge

Guatemala is one of the Americas' most impoverished countries.
Guatemalan education is not free. Families living in poverty cannot afford to send their children to school, and child labour is common.
Lack of education limits opportunities and forces families into a vicious cycle of poverty.
Poverty, illiteracy, malnutrition, starvation, mortality rates and violence go hand in hand.

Our Mission

The Project Somos Children’s Village is a nurturing educational community for at-risk children in Guatemala.
We know that all children have great potential, if only given the right opportunities.
We provide Early Childhood Education, academic support, and nutritional programming to support families from all sides and break the cycle of poverty.

Our Impact

Since our founding in 2008, Project Somos has educated hundreds of students and employed dozens of members of the local indigenous Kaqchikel community.

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"I feel really sad because in my family, there is no happiness. My dad is drunk every day and he hits my mom. I am always alone and when I feel sad and have problems, I go into the mountains and cry. I feel so happy that I am learning letters and will be able to read." — Jorge had never been to school prior to Project Somos inviting him to attend. He is polite and very grateful to have this opportunity to study. He is always one of the first to arrive each day. He comes from a home with no running water and very little food. He is thriving on the healthy food provided and is now showering at Somos and not feeling embarrassed about his lack of cleanliness anymore.
Jorge10 years old
Dora is the youngest of four children. She is very sweet, extraverted and talkative. Her mama says that since attending the Somos preschool, Dora has learned so many manners; how to sit at the table, use a fork, not to speak with her mouth full and to say please and thank you. According to her mama, she has now taught all of her siblings, the same manners — a true leader and teacher in the making!
DoraFour years old
Antonio is attending the Somos preschool. When he first arrived his mama told us that he was malnourished but barely ate or drank. After a month of attending Somos, Antonio is trying different foods, eating well and sometimes asking for seconds. At home, he is now asking for food and has a good appetite!
AntonioFour years old
Daniel is very active and very sociable. When his mama registered him in the Somos preschool she was very concerned, saying he hardly spoke at all and at times she didn't understand him. She was very worried about him. After a month of programming, Daniel is trying to speak many new words and he is communicating much better. His mama is concerned about what will happen when he enters primary public school because she knows her son will likely be teased and bullied for his challenge. Project Somos takes such challenges as opportunities to teach the children respect, empathy and compassion. Daniel is happy and being treated well at Somos.
DanielSix years old