A 7 year old child walks alone barefoot, carrying a basket on her head…trying to earn enough for her next meal...she's never seen the inside of a school or held a pencil or colored with a crayon.
A mother gently places her finger on the ink pad and then on the paper, she can not sign her own name, she is ashamed and embarrassed.
A father apologizes to his family, there is no money for food today, there was no work and there's no other options.
This scene plays itself over and over again in the highlands of Guatemala. Families are forced to choose between sending their children to school or feeding their family.
Getting an education is something that one only dreams of doing...We're making their dreams a reality. Be a part of it.
What Is It?
A year-round school that will educate entire families from the youngest to the oldest. Our school leaders will be members of the indigenous community, non-profit veterans, and dedicated volunteers.
Curriculum:
Preschool - Montessori/Waldorf
Elementary - Discovery/Inquiry/Project-Based
Junior High - Global/Leadership/STEM
Adult - Basic Math and Literacy/ELL
Why Whole Family Education?
- When families learn together, they succeed together
- When parents are learning, it increases their overall self-confidence, support for their child's learning, and opportunities for the future
- All ages should have the OPPORTUNITY to learn
- Education creates Sustainability
So if this isn't a handout...what is it?
Families will be required to be active participants in the school community - eliminating dependence and encouraging empowerment. Responsibilities include:
- Cultivating community gardens to be shared with all school families - creating food security
- Building and maintaining school grounds - learning and practicing skilled trades
- Leading classes in traditional arts/music/cooking - preserving Mayan traditions
- Completing parenting/whole family education classes - planning for the future
What can I do to help?
Donate! Your donation is tax-deductible as applicable by law.
Your donation will help us: secure a site for the school, buy classroom resources (Montessori/Waldorf/STEM/Discovery), make renovations to the space to ensure safety and a creative environment, plant a community garden.
Spread the word. Help us help others.
Meet Our Team
Bethany Davidson-Widby has held a true love for Guatemala for over 10 years. She first visited this amazing country while backpacking solo through Central America. Bethany has worked and traveled extensively in over 25 countries since her inaugural travels to Norway as an exchange student in 1992. Bethany is currently a Gifted and Talented teacher for Knox County Schools in Knoxville, Tennessee focusing on urban populations. She holds a BA in International Relations and a BA in Business Management from Michigan State University, and an MBA in Global Management and an M.Ed in Elementary Education from the University of Phoenix. It has been her dream to start a non-profit, and A Heart for Guatemala is her dream being fulfilled.
William Widby has traveled all over the world from Russia to Peru and places in-between. Having spent his early years in the Air Force working on nuclear missiles, followed by 13 years in the telecommunications industry, his business and management experience is invaluable to our organization. Will has appeared in commercials, interviews, and television spots both nationally and locally, as well as in local print. Will is the adventuresome one of the group flying helicopters and airplanes, not to mention racing stock cars and fly-fishing. He is a lifelong Tennessee Volunteers and Chicago Cubs fan and hopes to one day retire in Montana with his family .
In 17 Months....We Will Open Our Doors...Be A Part of It!