Program Overview: Hope, Education, Opportunity

Safe Passage (“Camino Seguro”) opened its doors in 1999 to provide hope and assistance to the children of the Guatemala City garbage dump. Where others saw a lost cause and lost resources, we saw potential and determination in the eyes of these children. We believe every child should have the opportunity to receive an education and to go as far as they are able in school. Our programs are designed so that each child can gain the skills needed to obtain stable jobs, to be self sufficient and to lead their families out of poverty in a dignified and permanent way.

Formal education is far beyond the reach for many of the children living on the periphery of the Guatemala City garbage dump. They are unable to afford the school uniforms & shoes, enrollment fees, school supplies and books required by the Guatemalan public schools. With financial support from Safe Passage, each child is able to attend a local public school for the half-day term and then come to our center for educational reinforcement, caring and supervision.

At Safe Passage, each child receives assistance with homework and hands-on learning activities designed to reinforce basic primary school concepts through our educational reinforcement program. They also participate in a range of arts, music, sports & recreational activities, English language classes, and computer instruction that provide opportunities to learn valuable life and social skills.

Safe Passage is committed to providing each child with nutritional support, including a daily healthy meal & snack, medical attention from our on-site clinic, vocational training programs, and weekend clubs for girls, boys and mothers.

Additionally, Safe Passage provides services for children 2-3 years old through the early intervention program, and adult literacy for our children’s mothers and fathers.

Safe Passage currently serves more than 550 children ages 2-19 years old. Our staff, consisting of Guatemalan teachers, social workers, and support staff and international volunteers are working to instill within each child a sense of hope and possibility and to provide them with the support, encouragement, and care they need to turn their dreams of an education into a reality.

Join us in our efforts to combat poverty through education! Learn more about how you can help us by volunteering, sponsoring a child or classroom, or contributing to our program goals and new initiatives.