"The program Niños Del Lago is a vital asset to the community of San Pedro. We were happy to know that a portion of our tuition fees went directly to the Niños Del Lago project to help out where it was really needed. We volunteered with the children for three afternoons after our Spanish classes and the experience is definitely one of the highlights of our trip. The children themselves are amazing individuals and are so full of energy and spirit. Apart from teaching them some English, we also gave them a crash course in using my SLR digital camera. They were very excited about it, and ended up taking over 200 photos! On our last afternoon we all got together and watched the photos on a projector screen, while sipping hot chocolate and eating waffles with fruit salad. It was a very rewarding experience and one I will never forget!"

Monique Kowalski
E-mail: monkowalski@hotmail.com
United States

"I spent three weeks in San Pedro in January of this year. For two of those weeks I had the rewarding opportunity to volunteer with Proyecto Niños del Lago program through San Pedro Spanish School. I was in Guatemala for three months and my two weeks working Proyecto Niños del Lago were among my most special. The first day of class I was overwhelmed by the energy of the children. I wasn’t sure whether they would warm up to me and whether I would be able to teach them. By the second and third day I was greeted with hugs.

The program was very valuable for these kids. It provided them with an outlet where they could learn and play with other kids. Each day, Felipe, the teacher, would give a lesson. The kids really admired Felipe and he was very well respected. After, the kids would break into groups depending on what they needed to work on. Some had homework from school, while others participated in a math or vocabulary review.

A couple of highlights from my weeks with the kids were a field trip to Santiago Atitlan and delivering food to the students in their homes. In Santiago we met with a local firefighter who provided us with some history and told us about the recent hurricane that had devastated the town. When we delivered food, we were able to meet the students’ families and see where they lived. Each family welcomed us with open arms and was very appreciative. The food they received consisted of eggs, rice, beans and many other important staples.

I couldn’t believe how connected I felt to the kids after only two weeks. Working with them also made me feel much more a part of the local community. I still think of my experience with Proyecto Niños del Lago often and hope to return to San Pedro someday soon."

Dana Greeson
E-mail: danagreeson@yahoo.com
USA

"I was volunteering in the project "Niños del Lago" for about two and a half months. The children were so lovely, everyday they made me happy and laugh. They made me understand the local culture and realize how true the life is in a small town. Helping to teach the children of San Pedro with all the skills of life was a rewarding experience for myself that I will never forget. Saying goodbye to them on my last day was very sad for me, that's why I have been back three times and will be going back again. Guatemala has a big education shortage, so any help you can give will be very appreciate by the school. The teacher and the team in charged are very dedicated in giving the best education to the children, so please help if you can with volunteering time, a money donation or stationary and education books. I can sincerely say that this experience enriched and changed my life and I will always keep all the children in my heart!"

Your sincerely,
Stephanie Durgnat
E-mail: stephdurgnat@yahoo.com
Switzerland

"I chose to sponsor Niños del Lago because, as a volunteer, I have witnessed the important work it is doing.  I have visited the homes of some of the children and seen the deprivation that surrounds them.  This project offers its students the opportunity to rise above their difficult circumstances.  Not only does the school offer academics, it delivers food to the students' families and helps secure health services where these are priorities. When I was visiting, the school arranged for all the children to be driven many hours away to have their eyes tested.  Those who needed glasses were helped by the school to obtain them.

This project distinguishes itself from so many others by its commitment to support the children on many levels over a long period of time.  It seems to me that this kind of dedication and focus can only increase the likelihood of success for these deserving children. If you have further questions please feel free to ask."

Judy Orloff
E-mail: judyorloff@yahoo.com
San Francisco, CA. USA

"Niños del Lago, an educational support project of the San Pedro Spanish School, started in 2003. From the very beginning D'NOZ Restaurant & Internet have supported a couple of the 'ninos' from the project and witnessed the positive developments of the project over the years. We are just one of many who have supported these 'ninos'. More volunteers and donators are always welcome. A nice way of puting your energy, during or after your stay in San Pedro, towards the local community. Gracias!"

Monique Vreeken
E-mail: dnoz.sanpedro@gmail.com
Holland