Escuela Oficial Rural Mixta No. 843, Bertha Herrera de Ruano J.M.

Guatemala City, Guatemala

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School details

Student population

426

Grades

Pre-elementary and first to sixth grade

Year founded

1971

About the school’s needs

Mixco lies next to the main municipality of Guatemala City, forming part of the capital city’s metropolitan area. It has a population of nearly half a million people.

The area has a complex urban landscape, with challenges including scarce potable water, inadequate public transportation, and the presence of informal settlements. Substantial unemployment is also a significant challenge, and one that has led to the irregular migration of residents in search of better prospects.

Your support of Escuela Oficial Rural Mixta No. 843, Bertha Herrera de Ruano J.M. will provide essential educational services to hundreds of young people in the community. Students will have better learning conditions, more psychological support, and more chances to develop their skills and confidence.

Help give the children of Escuela Oficial Rural Mixta No. 843, Bertha Herrera de Ruano J.M. the future they deserve.

Start sponsoring this school today

We’ll reach out with next steps. Thank you for your support!

What your sponsorship does at this school

Psychosocial and psychological support
Speech therapy sessions
Visual specialists (ophthalmologists)
Roofing for the sports court (for rain and sun)
Electrical wiring
Construction of a second level for classrooms
General painting of the school
New metal plates on classroom doors for safety purposes
Extracurricular programs including Glee, Discovery, Art, and English Clubs, supporting the development of students’ skills and abilities
Academic reinforcement, focusing on math, communication, and language arts

Photos of the school

Meet the students

Nathaly

“My name is Nathaly. I’m 10 years old, and I dream of becoming a chef. I’m fascinated with baking cakes.

In my free time, I like watching TV and playing with dolls, especially with my little brother.

In our community, we have problems like violence and a lack of recreational spaces for kids. I wish we, as young people, could have opportunities for decent jobs and a safe place to live in my community.

I would love to see my school transformed with terraces, playgrounds, and areas for painting and reading.”

—Nathaly, 10

Christian

“My name is Cristian. I’m 12, and I dream of becoming a professional soccer player. I’d like to play the position of center back.

In my free time, I like playing with my cell phone, doing homework, and playing soccer with my friends.

In our community, we face challenges like violence due to assault and a lack of fun spaces for kids.

I would love to see my school be tidier, with a fresh coat of paint and spaces dedicated to sports. That would create an environment for learning and development.”

—Cristian, 12

Meet the director

“I am Victoria, the principal of Escuela Oficial Rural Mixta No. 843, Bertha Herrera de Ruano J.M. The most significant challenge our school faces is student dropout, which is exacerbated by a lack of parental support and the migration of families to the United States. In the past year, six students left with their families.

In the community, delinquency and a lack of parental supervision during free time pose significant challenges, contributing to inappropriate behavior among children and youth. Students grapple with the daily challenge of self-motivation, as many parents, constrained by economic factors, are compelled to work, leaving students without the necessary support in their educational and family processes.

From my perspective, the school is a vital space where students not only become prepared academically but also strengthen their values. It serves as a refuge where knowledge is cultivated and comprehensive development is fostered.

My greatest hope as part of this school is for students to achieve all their goals, becoming exemplary citizens who contribute to the well-being of the country.

We have faced challenging situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected face-to-face communication. But we successfully overcame these obstacles by implementing virtual methods like WhatsApp groups, work guides, and distance classes, even with the technological limitations some students faced.”

—Principal Victoria