A NEW BEGINNING
FOR EL ZAPOTAL
On the occasion of the World Day Against Child Labour, commemorated on June 12, we celebrated the inauguration of the newly expanded facilities at El Zapotal School, located in a coffee-growing community in the municipality of Esquipulas. This marks a major milestone in an integrated project aimed at improving both access to and the quality of education for children in the region.
The construction includes: a new pre-primary classroom, a multi-grade classroom, a school office with storage, a fully equipped kitchen with food storage pantry, sanitary facilities for boys and girls with a septic treatment system, and a new handwashing station.
These upgrades create a safe and dignified learning environment for the school’s 40 students and 2 teachers.
Before this expansion, the school only had one classroom, which severely limited its capacity. Now, not only can the school serve more children, but it also opens up the possibility of expanding services to preschool and even secondary levels in the future, benefiting El Zapotal and neighboring communities.
But this initiative goes far beyond construction. We are also supporting the school through the “Cultivating Education” model, which includes: Ongoing teacher training, educational materials, reading and writing support, in-class technical guidance, civic education and community engagement, strengthening the school meal program.
Given that this is a coffee-farming region, the “Seeds to Grow” program will also be implemented, focusing on the prevention of child labor during coffee harvest season by providing integrated care for children while their families work in the fields.
“Today we celebrate more than a new school building. We celebrate the opportunity for more children to access quality education in safe and dignified spaces built for their well-being. This project also lets us look to the future—expanding education to new levels, strengthening teachers, and supporting families. On a symbolic day like the World Day Against Child Labour, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting childhood and transforming education to shape better citizens.” says Mynor Maldonado, our Executive Director.
This achievement was made possible through the collaborative work between the local community, the public sector, and our private sector allies. We are deeply grateful to Costa Foundation, Fabretto Children Foundation, Building Goodness Foundation, and all the community members who contributed labor and in-kind support.
This project is a powerful example of how joining forces can create a lasting, meaningful impact, strengthening educational opportunities and the holistic development of children in rural communities.
