Many families in Guatemala cannot afford the basic costs of education. Often children become field labourers or work within the household and because of this do not attend school. Project Somos offers a holistic education without costs to the students.

We offer preschool for children 3, 4, and 5 years old.

We provide academic support for children in public school. They join us after school or all day when school is not in session. They are served a hot nutritious lunch as soon as they arrive so their brains and bodies are happily fed and ready to learn!

An educated and employed adult can assist his/her family to rise out of the desperate circumstances of poverty. Education is a door-opener for employment.

Yes, there are ongoing capacity-building workshops in health, hygiene, and literacy. As well the families can participate in the medical and dental clinics that are hosted onsite.

We provide mandatary parenting classes which focus on non-violent parenting, information about nutrition, healthy and hygiene. We also offer employment opportunities to mamas in need of extra economic support.

Education is not free in Guatemala, there are costs associated with public school that impoverished families cannot afford. The students will receive two nutritious snacks and a lunch while attending as well as being provided with a uniform. As well there is no tuition or cost for any of the educational programming.

Yes, and if you spin a globe, close your eyes, and put your finger anywhere, it is very likely wherever your finger lands there will be a pressing need for the welfare of children and families living in poverty. The social situation in Guatemala is much more desperate than in Canada and the USA, as there are no social nets to assist those living in desperate circumstances.

The reality of the world today is that Guatemala is in our hemispheric neighbourhood and the need there is immense.

Guatemala ranks as one of the most dangerous countries in the hemisphere. Unfortunately, the judicial system has been slow to recover after the 35-year civil war, which ended in 1996. However, most violence is gang-related, centered in specific neighborhoods in Guatemala City. Efforts to revive the judicial system and root out corruption are showing signs of progress and hope. The United Nations is assisting with the recovery.

The Project Somos Village is secured with a perimeter wall, which is traditional throughout the Spanish colonial world. Security “hosts” welcome anyone that arrives at the main entrance. We also have a strong positive relationship with the nearby village, and they have organized a rural “block watch” that is very effective. There has never been a dangerous incident at or near the Village since we arrived in 2010.

Part of the focus of the education with the children is cultivating virtues such as compassion, understanding, kindness, forgiveness, patience, etc. Guatemala is a Christian country with Mayan cultural roots.
Children are encouraged to maintain their own cultural traditions. Compassion Fruit Society itself is a secular organization.

Yes, you can! Project Somos is a program of Compassion Fruit Society, Registered Canadian Charity No. 86332 6468 RR0001, that enables us to issue Canadian tax receipts. We also have a partnership with an American non-profit organization that can issue USA charitable receipts on our behalf. Please visit our Donate Page to make a donation. Thank you!

We encourage questions and conversation concerning our vision, goals, activities, and procedures from the general public and supporters. Compassion Fruit Society is a Canadian registered charity and financial and governance information is publicly available. A Board of Directors governs the organization and works with a variety of committees. If you wish to volunteer in any capacity, please contact us.