Escuela Oficial Urban Mixta El Mezquital JV

Villa Nueva, Guatemala

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School details

Population

177 in primary school

Grades

Kindergarten to 6th elementary school

Year founded

1983

About the school’s needs

The Community of El Mezquital, located in the municipality of Villa Nueva Zone 12, faces a challenging reality marked by delinquency and local gang recruitment. Family disintegration is a key factor contributing to these issues.

Many households struggle with poverty, unemployment, and domestic violence which lead to family breakdowns and increased negative influences. Additionally, residents lack opportunities and are forced to alter their behavior and limit their daily activities to avoid becoming targets of violence and intimidation.

This fear hinders community development on multiple levels, creating an environment of distrust and impacting residents’ mental and emotional health.

Help give the children of the Escuela Oficial Urbana Mixta El Mezquital JV the future they deserve.

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What your sponsorship does at this school

Plumbing: The toilet flushing system is not working.
Electricity: Some classrooms do not have electricity.
Ceilings: There are holes and water leaks.
Sewage: There are no grates in the water passages in the hallways of the classrooms, which is dangerous for students.
Perimeter wall or dividing walls: in the kindergarten area there is no division with the caretaker’s house.
Provision of didactic material for better learning.
Community cafés to generate chats on positive parenting topics.
Extracurricular programs, especially Glee Club, Soccer and Remedial
Provision of library for student interest
Teacher training and professional development
Psychosocial support

Photos of the school

Meet the students

Paul

“Hi, I’m Paul Hernandez, I’m 12 years old.

My biggest dream is to become a professional soccer player. In my free timem I enjoy playing soccer with my friends and reading stories. I love sports and learning.

However, there are challenges in my community, including poor attendance from my peers and little support from parents. I dream of a school where students are not stigmatized and parents provide more motivation and support for personal and educational activities.

I hope for my school to be more lively, with better paint, good lighting, and more teachers for classes such as physical education, music and computer classes.”

—Paul, 12

Mildred

“Hi, I’m Mildred, I’m 12 years old. Becoming a professional dancer has been my dream for a long time. In my free time, I enjoy reading, going for a run, and enjoying time in nature, which shows my love for nature and learning.

Young people in my community face rejection due to lack of schooling and parental supervision, as many leave their children home alone. I hope we can raise awareness and support among parents for the children’s personal and educational interests, counteracting the discrimination they experience in the community.”

—Mildred, 12

Meet a teacher

“As the principal of the Escuela Oficial Urbana Mixta El Mezquital Jornada Vespertina, I am aware of the challenges we face in our community, particularly in the educational field.

Our students have great potential, but are unfortunately limited by lack of resources, opportunities and vulnerability to family and social violence. The school serves as more than just an educational center in our community, it is a pillar of sustainability providing comprehensive support to students in various areas of their lives.

One of our main challenges is offering positive and attractive alternatives to steer students away from the negative influence of anti-social groups.

By recognizing and supporting the potential of each individual, we are combating the stigma and discrimination often faced by those who are targeted as members of antisocial groups.

Instead of labeling people, we must work together to provide opportunities.

Investing in people is investing in our community’s future. We all have the capacity to create positive change and contribute to the common good. By providing opportunities and support for each individual, we are building a more inclusive, caring and prosperous community for all.”

—Teacher Alida