Sarah de Lemus, Country Director
Originally from the UK, I have a degree in International Business Studies and French. I studied Charity Fundraising Management whilst at university and completed a Certification in Charity Fundraising Management. On leaving university, feeling a little lost, I chose to volunteer in a rural school in Chimaltenango, and it sent me home a different person. I worked as a fundraiser for the Royal Voluntary Service in the UK before returning to that same community project in 2009. Since then, I’ve taken on various leadership roles that have allowed me to impact children and young people across LATAM. Enabling them access to quality education and healthy food; giving them a safe space to build the future they want.
Why did you choose to work for Project Somos?
What excited me the most was the structure; I simply hadn’t seen a project like this one before and Somos fits with my skills, values and beliefs perfectly. Our focus of showing children their true value through love and care seems so simple, yet so right.
What inspires you?
Watching a child feeling safe enough to engage in learning, in their way.
Why Project Somos loves Sarah
Sarah brings fresh energy, enthusiasm, creativity and years of wisdom and experience in the non-profit sector to Project Somos, we’re so lucky to have her.
Norma España, School Cook
Originally from San Juan Poaquil, Tecpan, I am a mother of four beautiful daughters. I have always worked as a cook and cleaner and have slowly developed my skills over my career. I moved to Chivarabel in 2011 and first came to Project Somos as a parent, watching my four daughters grow up here. In August 2022 I was invited to be part of a cook training program and completed the program in six weeks. I was then invited to be an assistant cook and in May 2023, I took over full management of the kitchen, providing a hot meal and two snacks daily to the students.
Why did you choose to work for Project Somos?
My four daughters studied here and this is where I was trained, this is the right place for me.
What do you love most about Project Somos?
I love the way the kitchen is set up and the beautiful surroundings. I also love that they have helped both me and my daughters. I have had a difficult life but in Project Somos I have learned that as a woman, the most important thing is to love and respect myself.
Why we love Norma
Norma has an uncanny ability to cook daily for dozens AND keep a spotless kitchen! We’re convinced she has some invisible clones helping her out!
Rosario Morales Calel, Teacher
I was born and bred in Tecpan. My father is from Chichicastenango and my mother is also from Tecpan. They both spoke their mayan language (Quiché and Kaqchikel) but as children we never learnt either language because of the discrimination that they lived through. I graduated from school as a primary school teacher and I pour my love into my work. I’m married and a mother to three wonderful children and I am also a Clinical Psychologist. I started working at Project Somos in 2017 and I haven’t looked back!
Why did you choose to work for Project Somos?
It’s a place where kids learn in a different way, not through traditional education. A place that gives boys and girls the space to express their emotions and feelings.
What do you love most about Project Somos?
That children are kept at the center of the Project and remain the focus and reason for our work. Both boys and girls have the opportunity to learn and develop their skills through play.
What do you do in your spare time?
Outside of school I am dedicated to my husband and three children. I’m also studying for a degree in middle school education with a focus on language and communication.
What inspires you?
Making a difference in the lives of each and every one of the kids in the Project.
What’s a phrase you like to live by?
“Be the change you want to see in the world.” Mahatma Ghandi
Why Project Somos loves Rosario
As a loving mom to three, Rosario brings her extensive maternal love and her heart to the Project and each child.
Gergana Kratsiva, English Teacher
I am a primary school teacher with over five years experience working in Guatemala, Mexico, and Costa Rica. I have studied art history and fine arts since elementary school and am passionate about nature, cooking, and art. I speak three languages: Bulgarian, Spanish, and English, and have knowledge of Mayan languages and cultures such as Kaqchikel, Tzutujil, and Ixil. I am a Waldorf primary school teacher and am dedicated to designing experiences and materials for children. I believe in the power of education to change the world. My goal is to help children develop their potential and become responsible and committed citizens of their community.
Why did you choose to work for Project Somos?
Because I truly believe in education.
What do you love most about Project Somos?
That it is surrounded by nature.
What do you do in your free time?
I enjoy practicing yoga (this is the perfect place) and I’m getting into bird watching here as well!
Why Project Somos loves Gergana
The way the students reacted to her on her first day in the Project made us realize that Gergana was a loving, kind, gentle teacher, and that’s exactly what these kids need.
Claudia Ordoñez, Accountant and Volunteer Group Support
I was born in Sololá and grew up in Amatitlán then moved to Tecpan in 2005 for work. I live here with my husband and two daughters. I graduated from school as a teacher and university as a Public Accountant and Auditor. I manage the accounts for Project Somos, both in Canada and Guatemala and I also support logistics when we have groups throughout the year. I started out as a volunteer in Project Somos in 2011 and the rest, as they say, is history.
Why did you choose to work for Project Somos?
I’d reached a point in my life when I wanted a role that was impactful. When I saw that Project Somos focused on environmental work, I knew it was the right place for me.
What do you love most about Project Somos?
I like the different ways that Project Somos gives love to the children.
Who is your hero?
My mother along with a writer and presenter called Ismael Cala. They have both taught me the importance of perseverance and reinventing oneself when needed. They are great examples of what it means to be resilient, whatever life throws at you.
What’s a phrase you like to live by?
“Every day is a miracle, so let’s be thankful for today!” – Ismael Cala.
Why Project Somos loves Claudia
Claudia is incredible at balancing the books within cents and manages every last detail needed to coordinate a volunteer group at the Project.
Lirio Elizabeth Chocoj Tún, Preschool Teacher
I was born in Tecpan and I still live here with my parents. I graduated from highschool as a preschool teacher and I am also a qualified social worker. I trained as a teacher so that I could work with the little ones: they are my passion. Watching and helping them to learn and grow surrounded by a safe, nurturing environment is what I love.
Why did you choose to work for Project Somos?
I share the Project’s dream of providing a quality education to all children, especially those in vulnerable situations: I believe in the importance of empowering children from an early age.
What do you love most about Project Somos?
The inclusive and welcoming environment that is created here for the children.
What do you do in your spare time?
I am studying for a Master’s Degree in Community Management for Local Human Development, and certification for teaching middle school with a specialization in social sciences and citizenship – this keeps me busy! When I’m not studying, I sometimes go for a run, spend time with my family and friends or relax and recharge.
What inspires you?
Watching the kids progress and grow, watching how they learn new skills, overcome challenges and become more confident and happier versions of themselves.
Why Project Somos loves Lirio
Lirio brings humour, she’s hilarious! She is also incredibly creative – her students always make the most beautiful crafts!
Marelyne Ramirez, Director of Educational Programs
Originally from Guatemala City, I moved to Tecpan in 2011 after meeting my now husband and I haven’t looked back! I am a proud mother of two children and am certified as a preschool teacher and a psychopedagogue specialist for children with learning disabilities. I’m the longest serving member of the Project Somos family, and it feels very special to be a part of this program.
Why did you choose to work for Project Somos?
I love that the Project’s priority has been and always will be to ensure the well-being of children. Our mission of changing cycles of poverty through education and love resonates strongly with me.
What do you like the most about Project Somos?
That the Project is based on love: an emotion that encompasses many values within it. I also appreciate that the children learn through a non-traditional style of education: learning to embrace their feelings and opinions in a non-violent way.
What inspires you?
I’m inspired when I observe change in children. When a seed is sown, enabling them to achieve a positive change in their personal lives and their education.k
Why Project Somos loves Marelyne
Marelyne brings wisdom, a peaceful presence and buckets of love to all of us.
Rafaela Surec Socop, Primary School Teacher
I’m a Tecpaneca, born and bred. I come from a family of weavers and graduated from high school as a primary school teacher. In Project Somos I am both a preschool and primary school teacher, working with various different groups throughout the week. I’ve worked with Project Somos since 2016 and it’s an important part of my life.
Why did you choose to work for Project Somos?
The education methodology of the Project and the way we teach the students through play, creativity and love.
What do you love most about Project Somos?
That we help with the teaching and learning processes and watching the students acquiring new knowledge and learning in a world full of love.
What do you do in your spare time?
I learn. At the moment I am studying for a degree in communication and language. When I’m not studying, I love spending time with my family.
What’s a phrase you like to live by?
The sun rises everyday and with it come new opportunities to share with those who need it.
Why Project Somos loves Rafaela
Rafaela has a teaching super power: she can teach any kid how to read and ride a bike.
Oscar Zeta, Farm Manager and Project Caretaker
I’m originally from Tecpan but when I graduated from high school, I took a job working in farm and agriculture in Escuintla (south coast of Guatemala) and worked there for 17 years. Whilst I was there, I studied hard to learn how to manage farms. I also met my wife and we had our son Emmanuel. In 2007, we decided to move back to Tecpan where I worked for a local NGO as farm administrator. In 2023, I happily joined the Project Somos team and now live onsite managing the land, farm and security of the property.
Why did you choose to work for Project Somos?
I love living and working on the farm and the opportunity to learn the difficult skill of organic farming was irresistible. The healthy eating program here is vital and I feel very responsible for the nutrition of the kids.
What do you love most about Project Somos?
Living and working surrounded by nature and watching the sunrise over the mountains.
What do you do in your free time?
On Sundays, as a family, we love going into town and watching the world go by. I also enjoy reading about organic farming and different plants.
Why Project Somos loves Oscar
Oscar, on his own initiative, has become an incredible host to all of our visiting volunteers. He and his family often share meals with the volunteers and he has taught them how to prepare meals. He loves taking them to the market and showing them where to buy their food.