Today is World NGO Day, and we are feeling proud of the impact we are having in Santa Cruz. Last month marked an important moment for our community: the laying of the first stone of Siqajan School. Families gathered, students performed, leadership and board members spoke with pride, and many of you joined us live from afar in support.

We are also feeling grateful for you — for caring, listening, and showing up. 

Because of this community, we are now two-thirds of the way toward our $1.6 million Capital Campaign goal. In the months ahead, we’ll continue sharing updates and ways you can help bring this school to life as we take the final steps toward the finish line.

At the same time, our ongoing programs grow and thrive. Our monthly newsletters will continue to highlight all of our work, including Siqajan School, so you can stay connected to every part of Amigos de Santa Cruz.

We know we’re asking for your attention in a big way right now. But we are deeply inspired by how this community continues to show up — with generosity, belief, and commitment to lasting change in Santa Cruz.

A Day of Love and Learning at the Escuelita

February 14th, recognised as Valentine's Day or Día del Cariño, was an action-packed and meaningful day at Siqajan School.

The morning began with a civic ceremony led by the students themselves, attended by families, staff, and community members. Children performed songs and dances, delivered speeches in Spanish, English, and Kaqchikel, and reflected on love as something they are learning and building together. Watching them switch confidently between languages was a powerful demonstration of their growth and the education they are receiving.

The fun continued into the afternoon with water games, cupcake decorating, laughter, and shared moments of joy between classmates and teachers.

Beyond the games, the day centred on connection, empathy, and the strengthening of key values: teamwork, kindness, independence, and belonging. Celebrations like these are opportunities for the children to deepen connections with their fellow classmates, and strengthen the social-emotional skills that are just as essential as academic achievement.

New Beginnings at CECAP

The first week of culinary and sewing classes at CECAP was full of energy and anticipation.

Thirteen young people are beginning their vocational journeys, learning trades they are passionate about and building skills that lead to sustainable career opportunities. Alongside practical training in the kitchen and workshop, the new term began with classroom-based theory and English classes, strengthening both technical knowledge and confidence.

In their very first practical culinary class, our students prepared Chilaquiles, a dish none of them had made before, and proudly served their creations to Amigos staff members.

We’re proud to see them take this exciting step and wish each of them a year filled with growth, learning, and new opportunities!

Strengthening Partnerships

This month we welcomed Rotary Hand Up D6330, longtime partners in our economic empowerment work. Together, we visited women-led businesses in Santa Cruz La Laguna: a mushroom production initiative, a chicken farm, and a tamales enterprise. We were also warmly welcomed by Vivamos Mejor, who are co-leading a new agricultural project with us —more on that coming soon!

Our partnerships with Rotary Hand Up D6330 and Rotary Club of Lake Atitlan are vital in helping expand small businesses and opportunities across Santa Cruz La Laguna. We are deeply grateful for this shared commitment to community-led impact.

"In early 2023 Rotary Hand Up D6330 partnered with the Rotary Club of Lake Atitlan and Amigos de Santa Cruz to assist women in establishing and growing small businesses. Rotarians from District 6330 visit annually and we have witnessed remarkable changes firsthand - seeing shy women flourish into confident, successful and very happy business owners; women returning to participate in additional entrepreneurial programs; and women sharing their dreams of expanding business opportunities, not just for themselves but also for their family and community.

We are observing a growing economy and children that are excited to attend school. With many of the Amigos staff from Santa Cruz, they have the community connections, trust and cultural understanding that are so important in developing successful and sustainable projects. Rotary Hand Up D6330 is grateful for this strong partnership with the Rotary Club of Lake Atitlan and Amigos de Santa Cruz."

Pat Cavan

This World NGO Day, we invite you to continue showing up.

Share stories of impact, advocate for equitable opportunities, and if you feel inspired, support our Capital Campaign and help build the permanent Siqajan School that children of Santa Cruz deserve.

You may also consider...

Becoming a monthly donor

Make your monthly contribution and help amplify our work in Santa Cruz.

Joining our Legacy Program

By adding a gift to Amigos in your will, you can ensure that your support will last for years to come.