New Project Underway!

Hello everyone,
After Liz returned from Guatemala a few weeks ago, she said that the principal of Pacaja would like a library built on the roof of the school.  Currently Pacaja has no formal library, and it would be great if the kids had a designated spot to read. We've decided to team up with Kindred and help make that come true!  Kindred will provide the labor through their awesome volunteers, and we'll help cover the cost of materials.

Currently we are estimating total costs to be $4000 -- while we're thinking of new ways to raise money, we'll still depend on direct donations from generous people like you!

Please help us help these kids get their library by clicking on the Paypal button on the side of the blog.  No amount is too little!

Also, if you're interested an amazing cultural experience (that benefits others), please consider KindredVolunteer for your next vacation.  Angelica + crew will take great care of you, trust us!

View from the roof at Pacaja, overlooking the courtyard.  This is where the library will be!

Fourth Grade Fundraiser

Erin just got back to us with the results of the Fourth grade fundraiser, and the picture below is one of the cutest things ever!  Many of the students in the class have family in Guatemala, so helping Pacaja is something close to their hearts. It's also great to see that they've raised $700 for other wonderful causes as well =)

The kids in the class are also penpals with the kids at Pacaja, and have prepared a first round of letters to be sent to similarly-aged children in Xela.  Hopefully the exchange will be enlightening for both sets of students!

Liz is in Guatemala!

And yesterday she went with Angelica and Orlando (and Penelope!) to donate the books =)
Stay tuned, we'll still have more to give after the 4th grade fundraiser kicks in!

Familiar faces!

Books!!!

Liz in the classroom

More Books

Hi again everyone!
Angelica just finished purchasing the remaining books with our first round of donations.  These books are the ones we mentioned at the beginning of the fundraiser, the different Encyclopedia+Learning sets for each age group.

Don't they look wonderful?  Hopefully they'll enjoy lots of use at La Escuela Pacaja!

On another note, Liz is going to Guatemala soon, so we'll make the donation to the school once she gets to Xela. 

The rest of us wish we could go as well!

And finally, once the 4th Grade fundraiser settles we'll be making another donation to the school.  We should be able to purchase another set of fun storybooks for the children with that money.


Look at all those brand new materials!




Closer look at some of the learning sets.



First round of books!

Hello again everyone!
Yesterday the wonderful Angelica of KindredVolunteer purchased some children's story and activity books from a local library.  Next week she'll begin to purchase the large sets of books for each age-level at Pacaja, which we mentioned at the beginning of this project.  She'll also look into getting educational games to help kids learn! 

It's all thanks to you guys that we've raised so much and are able to buy these extra, fun, materials.

I've attached a picture of the books bought so far, it's nice to see the familiar titles on the chapter books =)
Hopefully the kids will enjoy these stories as much as we all did when we were little.

We'll keep you updated with each new purchase, and we'll be sure to get pictures of the library once it reaches the school and the children!

Something for every age group!

Money Transfer completed!

Hello everyone,
Angelica received the wire with all your donations, and she is currently in the process of buying the materials.  We will post pictures and updates once everything is set!

Transferring Money in 2 phases

Hello everyone!
It turns out that the 4th grade fundraiser Erin helped coordinate for Escuela Pacaja will mail a check in April, so for now we will wire the money we have already raised to Kindred Volunteer.  This way Angelica can purchase somebooks and shelves first, and then purchase another book set in April with the fundraiser money.

We're wiring the money to Guatemala, and it might take a few days with all the international red tape.  But as soon as the materials are purchased we'll post pictures!

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season!