Something beautiful is taking root in the Ixil region of Guatemala. At Nicolás Fund for Education (NFE), our mission is to break the cycle of generational poverty through Christ-centered education. For years, this work has been sustained by God’s provision through the generous hearts of people in the United States. Today, we are witnessing a powerful and inspiring shift: the seeds of hope we’ve planted are blossoming into local support, right here in Guatemala.
From families investing in their children’s futures to Guatemalan companies sharing their resources, a community of support is rising up around Nicolás Christian School. This is more than just a donation; it’s a sign that the mission is being accomplished. Families and local leaders are not just recipients of aid but active partners in building a brighter, self-sustaining future for their children and their community.
An Investment in Dignity: Families Share in the Mission
In late 2023, the NFE Board prayerfully introduced a modest tuition fee. The goal was not simply to cover costs but to foster a deeper sense of family investment and dignity in their child’s education. We recognize that true empowerment comes from partnership, not just provision.
This new approach allows families to contribute either with cash or through food donations for the school kitchen, honoring the diverse economic realities of the community. For those unable to pay, partial and full-ride scholarships ensure that every child has a place at our school. No student will ever be turned away for an inability to pay.
The response has been a testament to the community’s commitment. We are overjoyed to share that 91% of our school families are now contributing financially to their children’s tuition. This shared investment reinforces the value of education and gives parents a profound sense of ownership in their children’s incredible journey.
Guatemalan Generosity: Companies Join the Cause
The spirit of giving is also growing among local businesses. In Guatemala, there is a strong tradition of companies giving back to their communities, and we have been blessed to see this firsthand.
As we prepared to open our new school, Banco de Guatemala generously donated beautiful wood library shelves and desks, creating a warm and inviting space for our students to learn and explore. Soon after, Arista, a leading high-end office furniture company, stepped forward with a remarkable gift of adjustable-height desks for our art room and durable red chairs that now fill our spaces with color and life.
The generosity didn’t stop there. Arista also donated additional red stackable chairs, perfect for our outdoor covered dining hall, where students gather for meals and fellowship. These gifts are powerful symbols of growing local belief in our mission. They are tangible reminders to our students that their own country is cheering them on.
Of course, the sturdy wooden desks and chairs crafted by our own carpentry students remain a source of immense pride. Adorned with vibrant Mayan fabric made by families in Villa Hortencia 1, these pieces are a daily showcase of the incredible talent nurtured within our walls.
Sowing Seeds of Nourishment: Greenhouses Supporting Our School Meals
Through a wonderful partnership with Agros International, our students care for seven on-campus greenhouses. These greenhouses provide abundant harvests—like 700 pounds of Roma tomatoes—that go directly to the cafeteria, nourishing our school community with fresh, homegrown produce each week. The students’ hard work and the fruits of their labor fill our kitchen, making every meal a celebration of learning, health, and shared accomplishment.
You Can Help This Hope Continue to Grow
The transformation happening in the Ixil region is a beautiful display of what is possible when we work together in faith. The growing local support is a powerful affirmation that we are on the right path, empowering a new generation of leaders to build a flourishing, self-sufficient community.
But the need is still great. As we look ahead, our vision is to continue providing this life-changing, Christ-centered education for even more students. To meet our operating costs for the 2026 school year, we need to raise $100,000.
Your support is more than a donation—it’s an investment in this growing movement of hope and transformation. You can be the spark that helps this incredible community continue to build a brighter future, one child at a time.
