At Sueños, we believe that supporting children also means supporting their families. This month, we partnered with ASOGEN (Association for Generating Entrepreneurship and Opportunities) to host a special workshop for mothers focused on holistic care and well-being.

During the session, participants explored topics such as self-care at home, balancing domestic responsibilities, labor rights, and respectful parenting. These discussions are vital to nurturing a strong, healthy community, and the collaboration with ASOGEN allows us to expand our reach and impact beyond the walls of our school.

Workshops like this reflect Sueños’ commitment to integral care, empowering parents with knowledge and resources that benefit both their families and the wider community.

​This month, Sueños had the privilege of hosting a special hairdressing course in collaboration with Hair Aid Australia. For one week, our students and local community members engaged in hands-on learning, gaining practical skills and confidence under the guidance of expert instructors.

One of the most unforgettable moments this year was our very first Choral Festival at Sueños!

Led by our amazing music teacher, Profe Adolfo, our children sang in front of a live audience for the very first time. The excitement was contagious; the students’ eyes sparkled with both nerves and joy as they stepped onto the stage.

We were honored to welcome visiting schools from all over Guatemala (Comalapa, El Hato, and Esquipulas), who joined us for a morning filled with harmony, laughter, and connection.

Our students sang with such pride, their voices carrying all the way through our learning space.

When the final notes echoed, the smiles on their faces said it all: they had done it!

It was more than a performance, it was a celebration of courage, talent, and community. And it’s only the beginning of many more musical moments to come at Sueños. 

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At Sueños, volunteers bring magic, and this season our community was filled with creativity, imagination, and connection.

First, we had the joy of welcoming Chris and Debbie, who guided our Creative Circle. Together with our students, they dove into new adventures:

Creating their own stop-motion movies and designing characters.
Exploring the Japanese dyeing technique Shibori with natural indigo.
The energy was incredible! Beyond the workshops, Chris and Debbie gave us a precious gift: a donation of creative materials so the children can keep experimenting and developing their artistic skills. We are so grateful for their generosity, energy, and love.

Then came our English Circle, led by Laila and Sydney from James Madison University. With enthusiasm and care, they designed custom lessons, adapted them to our students’ needs, and made learning English a fun, engaging experience.

But it didn’t end there! After their time with us, two students from Antigua International School (AIS) continued the English Circle, keeping the spark alive. It was beautiful to see young people, just 14 and 15 years old, step into the role of mentors.

This is what Sueños is about: circles of learning that keep growing and inviting others to join.

If you’re interested in volunteering with us, visit: Volunteer

​Big things are happening at Sueños! Thanks to the generous support of Linda Vista, our learning space is expanding in ways that make every day more exciting for our students.

Now, our elementary students get to enjoy interactive classes in beautiful covered outdoor spaces. Learning isn’t limited to the classroom anymore, it flows right into the open-air corridors, making every corner of Sueños a place of discovery.

And the highlight A brand-new playground! You should see the smiles during recess - laughter, games, and pure joy fill the air. The playground has quickly become the heart of our schoolyard.

We also have wonderful news from our kitchen. Thanks to Sumate Antigua, from Tz’ules Tzunun, we now have a new industrial stove! This gift helps us serve daily meals more efficiently. For us, it means more than just cooking, it means nourishing our children with warmth, love, and health every single day.

Sueños keeps growing, and with it, the dreams of our children.

Want to learn how you can support Sueños Visit: Sponsor

It’s an unusual scene in the kitchen at Sueños: Isaías, our regular cook, isn’t here today. Instead, Luis Quino, a father of one of the students, is chopping tomatoes and preparing lunch alongside María Velásquez and María López, two mothers. The comforting smell of simmering food fills the air, and the familiar rhythm of the kitchen continues, just with a slight twist. This shift reflects a broader change at Sueños, where fathers are becoming more involved in supporting the school and their children’s education. In 2024, father participation was at 30.77%, and by February 2025, that number has risen to 35%.

Historically, mothers have always been the primary figures in their children’s education, both at home and at school. But more fathers are now stepping in, not only to help with practical tasks like preparing meals and maintaining the garden, but also to take part in their children’s academic and emotional development. This increased involvement is creating a more balanced and supportive environment for the children.

Fathers are becoming more present in school activities, whether it's picking up their children, attending meetings, or staying connected with teachers about their academic progress. Their participation strengthens the connection between home and school, reinforcing the idea that education is a shared effort.

At Sueños, we believe in supporting the integral development of every child, which includes their emotional and social well-being. Fathers have been more active in social programs, psychological support, and monthly meetings, showing their dedication to their children's growth.
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As we continue to encourage greater family involvement, we are confident that the increasing participation of fathers will have a lasting, positive impact on the children we serve. At Sueños, we know that when both mothers and fathers work together, they create the best possible environment for children to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

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Every February 21st, the world celebrates International Mother Language Day, a date established by UNESCO to  raise awareness of the importance of languages in social, cultural, and educational development. Here at Sueños, as the first Maya K'iche'-Spanish bilingual school in Antigua Guatemala, we celebrate this day with a deep commitment to promoting Mayan languages and strengthening our students' cultural identity. 

With over 1.3 million speakers, K'iche' is one of the largest groups in Guatemala. Their language connects them to their history and traditions. Many of our students come to Antigua from rural K'iche' communities, hoping for better opportunities, which results in their families often finding work in the informal sector. In the process, they often face discrimination and lose the chance to learn in their native language, which can affect their sense of identity, self-worth, and their academic success.

It's important for us to provide a space where education in the mother tongue is not just about learning a language—it's about honoring who you are and where you come from. According to UNESCO, children who learn in their native language are more engaged, feel more confident, and perform better academically.

Our bilingual approach, where students learn both in K'iche' and Spanish, isn’t just about language—it’s about building bridges. It's about giving children the tools to succeed while also honoring their roots. To make this happen, we’ve made sure to hire K'iche' speaking staff who understand the culture, and who can help our students feel supported and understood in every class.

International Mother Language Day reminds us of the importance of protecting Maya languages. By promoting inclusive education, we’re helping these kids not only find their voice but also confidently share it with the world.
​Learn more about International Mother Language Day at UNESCO: UNESCO - International Mother Language Day

Volunteering at Sueños in Antigua, Guatemala, came at a pivotal moment in my life. I had just completed my executive master's program in London at The London School of Economics and was navigating the uncertain waters of a career transition. Adding to the weight of change, I had recently experienced a heartbreak. In these moments of turmoil and doubt, I've learned to turn to giving, even when it feels like I have little left to offer. It's been my experience that giving often serves as a conduit for unexpected blessings—be it in the form of opportunities, love, or abundance. And my time at Sueños was nothing short of miraculous.

Arriving at Sueños with a heavy heart, I found myself immersed in a world of overflowing love and possibility. My time at Sueños served as a catalyst for healing, and while volunteering, I received an extraordinary career opportunity in Austin, Texas. The blessings bestowed upon me during my time with Sueños were abundant, and I wholeheartedly believe that anyone navigating a transition would find solace and growth through volunteering with the children at Sueños. It's an experience you will never forget.

As I reflect on my time volunteering with Sueños in Antigua, Guatemala, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the life-changing experiences and meaningful connections I have made. Sueños, a remarkable school dedicated to empowering children through education and mentorship, has left an indelible mark on my heart.

From the moment I stepped into the vibrant classrooms filled with eager young minds, I knew I was part of something special. My days were filled with reading books, engaging in arts and crafts, teaching a few words of English, and showing the kids how to play tennis. Each interaction was filled with laughter, curiosity, and boundless energy, reminding me of the beauty of innocence and the power of education. Every child's story, hug, and smile will stay with me forever.

One of the highlights of my time with Sueños was the unforgettable opportunity to take the children to the Antigua Guatemala FC stadium to see a professional soccer game at the Antigua stadium. Meeting the professional players and witnessing the children's excitement as they stepped onto the field was truly magical. But what touched me most deeply was the chance to have the professional players come visit the school and share their stories of perseverance and determination with the children. Their message of dreaming big and working hard resonated with each child, igniting a spark of hope and inspiration that I hope will stay with them for years to come.

My experience with Sueños has been nothing short of life-changing. The resilience, passion, and unwavering spirit of the children have taught me invaluable lessons about the power of resilience, the importance of community, and the beauty of chasing dreams. As I continue to support Sueños and spread awareness of their incredible work, I am filled with hope for the future and gratitude for the opportunity to be part of something truly meaningful.

I encourage everyone to learn more about Sueños and the incredible impact they are making in the lives of children in Antigua, Guatemala. Together, we can help support their mission and ensure that every child has the opportunity to dream big and achieve their goals.

With heartfelt gratitude,
Francesca Kennedy