Guatemala

This is a totally free school and social support for indigenous students who would not be able to attend school due to the costs of materials and uniforms.

The Guatemalan founder and director, Julio is incredibly committed and caring. He started this school in a small rented facility in 2005 and has grown it into a newly built school complex K-12 servicing 300 students in multiple buildings, privately owned by the non-profit organization he established. He receives no government funding, depending entirely on donations.

While it is first and foremost a school, Jardin de Amor is also a center for families to learn about parenting and as a social service agency for community outreach. The school also provides dental care for all students and medical care as needed.

With scholarships, some students now are continuing their education beyond high school including one who has returned as a qualified teacher at the school. Recently vocational training programs were developed in woodworking, sewing’ and culinary arts.

We visit yearly with suitcases full of needed supplies and often bring students and adults who volunteer.