What We Do
Esperanza De Guatemala partners with the people of Nimasac, Guatemala in their pursuit of:
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improved educational opportunities through a Scholarship Program, and resources for local schools, including technology
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economic development through financial literacy, acquiring marketable skills, promoting saving, and increasing knowledge of business practices.
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clean drinking water and advanced community health services for improved health and well-being and more sustainable agriculture practices.
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For details on each area of Esperanza's mission, whether Scholarships and Education, Economic Development or Health and Well-Being, click on the links below.
To find out about our Special Projects, click on Health & Well-Being.
Scholarships & Education
Whether through teacher training, gifting supplies, or direct aid to students, Esperanza is committed to advancing educational opportunities.
Scholarship students meet to discuss the challenges and rewards of going to school. Student meetings are held monthly.
​​​​​​​Our scholarship program is our premier initiative. It has:
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supported 98 students through 2024 by tuition reimbursements,
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graduated two university students (a first for Nimasac), and
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enrolled six university students currently studying for an advanced degree.
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In 2024, there are 45 scholarship students. Every year we receive more requests. We have 50 student applications for 2025!​
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You can help a student achieve their hopes and dreams. Give today and start making a difference.​​
Education equals empowerment.
Education is the single most vital element in combating poverty and promoting human rights.
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With education, there is hope.
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hope to continue to learn,
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hope to continue to improve one's educational level, and
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hope to achieve a career.
Health and Well-Being
Esperanza de Guatemala's work in this area includes:
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health education, including women's general and reproductive health,
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providing our own clinic, working with the local clinic and supporting their needs, and educating the community about the benefits of clean water (a priority), and
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offering a home-based water filtration system for the first time to hundreds of Nimasac homes.
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Economic Development
The economy of rural, indigenous villages in the Guatemalan highlands is agriculturally based with some very small shops and even fewer industries.
Most farmers work with as little as a quarter-acre while some might have a full acre or two to grow corn, squash, and beans.
Small cottage industries do exist in weaving whole cloth and hand-dipped candles, but the return on labor is critically small.
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Esperanza de Guatemala is working to support women who wish to make a living from sewing. This initiative has several facets which are being developed, including basic financial literacy and the encouragement of savings groups.
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Previous educational offerings included a 10-month agricultural enhancement project with a Guatemalan agricultural engineer who had trained in the US. He helped farmers expand their crops to include potatoes, build individual greenhouses and acquire a a better understanding of animal husbandry.
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The scholarship program supports economic development by training students for the workforce. Scholarships are offered for middle school, high school, vocational school, and university.
Special Projects
From time to time, a special need comes to our attention and we respond.
These projects have included:
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financing the construction of a basic bathroom at the local church where we meet
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COVID-19 food relief
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and emergency funds for farmers due to inflation. ​
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You can find six videos about these relief efforts on our Stories page. Go there now and be inspired--
BUT if you can't wait, watch one below!
Together, we are making a difference in our world! Thank you.