Press Release – Safe Passage Marks 25 Years of Transformative Impact in Guatemala
Guatemala City, Guatemala, 1/1/2025 – Safe Passage celebrates 25 years of dedication to transforming lives through education, holistic wellness and health services, and life and social skill building, marking this milestone with a renewed focus on the future. As a nonprofit organization serving communities near Central America’s largest landfill, they’ve shifted from providing triage care to families facing food insecurity and extreme poverty through their first years to more recently cultivating the next generation of young leaders who will change Guatemala’s future.
Safe Passage has created community change through constant evaluation, innovation, and the dedication of experts from Guatemala and around the world. Safe Passage serves 600 students and reaches over 3000 community members annually through its services. Over the course of 25 years, its reach has made a palpable impact.
This anniversary reflects a legacy of collaboration, innovation, and commitment. Safe Passage’s educational model and trauma-informed wellness services have become a cornerstone for students’ growth, helping them achieve their dreams and lead meaningful change in their communities.
Safe Passage’s students are graduating and entering universities at rates no one could have imagined five years ago. They articulate and demonstrate their leadership, and many express themselves as change makers and cycle breakers for their families, communities, and Guatemala.
“Over these 25 years of progress, Safe Passage has witnessed significant community transformations,” highlights Erin Mooney, the organization’s Executive Director, “One of the most important is that our students are coming to us more ready to learn than ever before, thanks to sustained investments in education, health, and community development from Safe Passage, community leaders, and many partner organizations. This foundation has allowed us to provide an exceptional education, prepare our graduates to face systemic challenges, and seize opportunities for the future. Our students are graduating with the academic foundation, intrinsic motivation, and leadership to succeed in university studies, technical jobs, or whatever else they may dream.”
Addressing Challenges with Determination
Despite incredible achievements, Safe Passage and the communities where it works continue to face systemic challenges, including escalating violence and the trauma that it inflicts on students and families. Addressing these challenges requires bold actions, such as investing in safety infrastructure; deepening mental health offerings for students, families, and staff; and increasing salaries to retain educators who are essential in delivering transformative programs in a deeply challenging context. Safe Passage remains committed to transparency and collaboration as it navigates these complexities. Support from its network of partners in Guatemala, the US, and Europe is vital to ensuring that the organization continues to thrive and make a lasting difference.
A Vision for the Next 25 Years
Looking ahead, Safe Passage is embarking on a series of exciting initiatives. These include opening a new middle school, expanding early childhood education, and enhancing support for high school graduates as they pursue opportunities beyond the classroom. Each step is part of a larger vision to empower future generations with the skills, values, and opportunities needed to create positive change in their communities and beyond.
Safe Passage invites supporters worldwide to join this journey of transformation. Individual financial contributions, corporate partnerships, and grants are part of sustaining and expanding this vital mission. Together, we can ensure that Safe Passage remains a driver for transformative change for decades to come.
About Safe Passage
Safe Passage is a nonprofit organization that breaks the cycle of poverty through holistic education. It provides transformative educational opportunities and holistic wellness services to children and families living near the Guatemala City landfill. Founded in 1999, the organization has become a model of community-driven impact, fostering empowerment, resilience, and opportunity.
Join Us in Transforming Lives
To learn more about Safe Passage and support its mission, visit its webpage www.safepassage.org
For media inquiries, please contact Rachel Meyn Ugarte, Director of Development, at rachel@safepassage.org.