ANNUAL REPORT 2024
A JOURNEY
OF GROWTH
A YEAR OF GROWTH, A FUTURE IN BLOOM
Last year, we planted seeds of hope, determination, and opportunity. These seeds have taken root, allowing us to grow in more communities and expand our projects, reaching children and families who need it most.
Every school we supported, every child we nourished, every teacher we empowered, and every meal we provided became part of this shared journey of growth and education.
Dear friends of Seeds for Progress,
If 2024 has taught us anything, it’s that small seeds can grow into something extraordinary.
This year, with your support, we expanded our mission, broke new ground, and created even greater opportunities through education for children and families in rural communities of Guatemala.
We planted new opportunities with the opening of 6 Seeds Camps, providing a safe and nurturing space for 369 children during the coffee harvest and solidifying our commitment to the prevention of child labor. These children received access to education and more than 41,300 nutritious meals while 154 parents learned the importance of promoting education, protecting children´s rights, and preventing child labor through our community workshops.
We strengthened our roots by training more teachers, equipping schools, and launching new projects. We began the implementation of our Cultivating Education Model in 8 mentor schools transforming learning from within the classroom through the development of competencies based on life projects that create entrepreneurial and leadership skills in rural children from preschool through high school.
Teachers were trained in innovative pedagogical strategies, school governments were created for the first time, and specially designed didactic material and resources strengthened this initiative.
We also laid down foundations for the future with the construction of 2 new classrooms and sanitation facilities in Sampaquisoy School and a library in El Morrito School benefiting more than 200 students and 16 teachers.
We focused on strengthening classroom methodologies, training teachers, and expanding access to quality education and nutrition because, at Seeds for Progress, we believe that a nourished, protected, and educated child is ready to thrive.
Just like a well-tended seed, growth takes time, care, and commitment; and thanks to you, 2024 was a year of incredible harvest. Together, we deepened our impact in ways that truly matter. To each donor, partner, and friend who has helped us sow the seeds of change, thank you. Your support is what turns possibilities into reality, and we are so grateful to have walked by your side on this journey of growth.
Let’s keep planting, nurturing, and harvesting a future full of opportunities!
With deep gratitude,
Kevin Marinacci
President
Seeds for Progress Foundation
ROOTED IN PURPOSE, GROWING FOR IMPACT
From small seeds of hope to a movement transforming education. We are seeders, cultivators of change, sowing the seeds of education to transform lives in rural communities.
We cultivate a future where knowledge flourishes, opportunities take root, and entire communities harvest the rewards of progress.
EXPANDING OUR ROOTS, REACHING MORE COMMUNITIES
We cultivate opportunities in the heart of rural communities in Guatemala, ensuring no child is left behind.
WE SOW THE SEEDS OF KNOWLEDGE, CULTIVATING BRIGHTER FUTURES AND WATCHING THEM BLOOM IN RURAL COMMUNITIES.
CULTIVATING
EDUCATION MODEL
Our educational model, Cultivating Education, proposes learning based on competencies, where the community is the main learning scenario for children, being the protagonists of the process.
During 2024, 8 Mentor Schools were prioritized to start the process of adopting the methodology, achieving:
An introductory course for teacher specialization in pedagogical strategies using a methodological model, involving 15 teachers in a five-day training workshop totaling 40 hours.
Didactic material and educational resources’ delivery to create learning environments according to the methodology.
Design of an interlearning guide and pedagogical projects to strengthen the comprehensive approach to the different dimensions of development of pre-school children.
Strengthening the capacities of school governments with four workshops aimed at 50 girls and boys on techniques for planning, implementing and evaluating educational projects by developing the following school projects:
- Cleanliness and order
- Strengthening interpersonal relationships and communication skills
- School Gardens
- Improvement of environments for reading and writing
- Motivation for school attendance
- Self-esteem and teamwork
SEEDS TO GROW
PROTECTING CHILDREN, CULTIVATING OPPORTUNITIES
Our seasonal program aims to promote the development of children and adolescents in friendly and safe environments, providing equal opportunities as a strategy to prevent child labor and school absenteeism in coffee communities during the harvest.
This year, we expanded into new communities by opening 6 Seeds Camps, which offered specialized education, care, protection, and nutrition for children ages 4 to 14 years old while their parents worked during the coffee harvest. We also worked hand in hand with teachers, parents, coffee producers, and the community in creating awareness of the importance of child labor prevention and the protection of children´s rights through workshops and communication efforts.
Looking ahead, we remain committed to growing our impact to ensure more rural children can learn, grow, and thrive. By next year, we plan to establish a total of 7 Seeds Camps, planting deeper roots in new regions across the country.
This initiative solidifies our shared commitment with partners in the fight against child labor and our belief in education as a catalyst in transforming lives for families in rural coffee-growing regions.
ATTENTION BY AGE GROUP:
Initial Education
(Children from
4 to 6 years old)
Primary
Children from 7 to
14 years old)
Cycle 1: 1st to 3rd grade
Cycle 2: 4th to 6th grade
Results 2024
6 child labor prevention centers
369 children received personalized care & assistance
41,328 nutritious meals served
297 families
253 coffee pickers
88 small-holder coffee producers
33 teachers trained in program methodologies
154 parents sensibilized on child labor prevention & children´s rights
STORIES THAT BLOOM
GROW IMPACT TOGETHER!
If you’re passionate about a particular program, consider supporting it directly.
FOOD SECURITY & NUTRITION:
Maya Nutri Project
NOURISHING MINDS, BUILDING BRIGHTER FUTURES
The Maya Nutri Project aims to enhance food security and improve child nutrition in rural communities.
We believe that access to adequate food is essential for child development and that a well-nourished child is better prepared to learn. Our goal is to lay the groundwork for growth, health, and academic success through proper nutrition.
ComponentS
Access to and availability of nutritious food.
Adoption of practices in nutrition, hygiene and food safety.
Resilience capacity.
impact
1,046 children with access to a nutritious and balanced diet.
67 children improved nutrition and healthy weight gain.
11 agroecological plots installed by 167 women producers.
8 active community cooking pots.
79 families trained in food safety practices and nutritious recipes.
5 children overcome acute malnutrition.
ONE MEAL AT
A TIME
For many children, a nutritious meal means more than food, it’s the energy to learn, play, and dream.
As part of this initiative, MannaPack a fortified protein, was implemented as a food supplement in the diet of the families in 11 communities.
Sixteen training workshops on healthy eating, food handling and safety practices, and preparation of nutritious recipes using MannaPack as the main ingredient, were held for 323 mothers, members of parents’ organizations, and people who prepare meals in schools.
This supplement was served in schools during the second semester of the school year and at Seeds Camps during the coffee harvest, promoting the integral development of children.
The benefits of this product, and the strategies that nurtured this project, have blossomed into results that the community is witnessing today.
Read these stories of transformation:
GLORIA ESPERANZA
AMADOR MORALES
Nursing assistant at the Tizamarté Health Center, Camotán
“This project significantly benefits the children by improving their learning capacity now that they are attending school.
When the children first started coming, many were underweight and stunted. Over three months, they have gained between 1.5 and 3 pounds in some cases.
Thanks to the foundation’s support, various workshops have been implemented to educate the community about hygiene and food preparation.”
DESI MARISOL ALDANA MELECIO
Mother of 3 Children
“As a mother, I feel good seeing the results in my children. Christian, my youngest, was once malnourished, but now he is thriving. He weighs 24 pounds and has grown by 4 cm. Similarly, José, who used to weigh 16 pounds, now weighs nearly 19 pounds and has also experienced growth.
I hope they continue to grow strong and don’t lose any more weight. Today, I see my children playing happily, and I know that proper nutrition is helping them perform better in school.”
We don’t just plant seeds,
we grow futures.
BUILDING STRONG
FOUNDATIONS FOR THE FUTURE
Sustainable schools, resilient classrooms, and safe spaces; because growth begins with the right learning environment.
NEW FACILITIES, NEW OPPORTUNITIES AT SAMPAQUISOY SCHOOL
We proudly inaugurated new facilities at the Sampaquisoy School in Mataquescuintla, Jalapa. This milestone was marked by an official ceremony attended by Guatemala’s Minister of Education, Anabella Giracca, who highlighted the importance of creating conducive learning environments for children in rural areas.
The new facilities include fully equipped classrooms, toilets, hand washing station, showers, water treatment system, a principal’soffice, and a storage area. These upgrades will benefit 180 students and 10 teachers with improved infrastructure and essential services, ensuring a healthier, safer, and more effective learning experience.
COLORFUL READING AT EL MORRITO SCHOOL
This new space will benefit 109 students and 6 teachers, providing a vibrant environment to foster learning and creativity within the community. With enough books ranging from educational resources to storybooks, this library is set to become a cornerstone for academic and personal development.
Thanks to the combined efforts of the community and our supporters, El Morrito Library will be a lasting resource for generations to come, nurturing a love of learning and providing students with the tools they need to succeed.
A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR EL ZAPOTAL SCHOOL
At El Zapotal Primary School, we are planting the seeds of transformation. This project will bring three new classrooms, a principal’s office, storage area, kitchen, and sanitation facilities, ensuring children have a safe, healthy, nurturing space to learn and grow.
With the support of our partners, 40 young students and their two teachers will soon have the resources they need to flourish. But our commitment doesn’t stop here; growth is an ongoing journey.
What’s Next in El Zapotal?
1.
Expanding early education: By 2026, we will open doors to 15 preschoolers, giving them a strong start in their learning journey.
2.
Nurturing more children during the harvest: In the next coffee harvest, 60 children will find safety, learning, and nourishment at a new Seeds Camp, where they will receive protection, educational reinforcement, and nutritious meals.
The teachers at this school are also being trained using the SFP Cultivating Education model, which employs active methodologies to innovate the teaching and learning processes for the children in this community.
From small seeds to lasting change, our impact grows stronger with every step we take together.
MOMENTS THAT
GREW OUR MISSION
CHANGE IN MOTION
This event brought together supporters, partners, and changemakers for an unforgettable evening of inspiration and action. Hosted in collaboration with Macquarie Group, Sucafina, and Kahawatu Foundation, this unique event celebrated the collective power of education to transform lives in Guatemala’s coffee communities.
The room was filled with energy and purpose as attendees joined us to “pass the baton of opportunity,” symbolizing our shared commitment to moving education forward. Guests had the chance to connect, reflect on the progress we’ve made and hear powerful stories of impact.
Thanks to your generosity, we raised an incredible amount of more than $329,000, that will benefit children, teachers, and entire communities.
We also celebrated new beginnings, our partnerships with Sucafina and Kahawatu Foundation, whose collaboration ensures we can continue this vital work and expand our reach to more families and communities in Guatemala.
relive the energy
the event was filled with memorable moments
that highlighted the power of collective effort.
RUN FOR PROGRESS
We teamed up with Happy People and our allies for an unforgettable day of energy, community, and impact at the Run for Progress. Over 100 runners came together, lacing up their shoes not just for a race, but for a cause that truly matters: supporting children’s education in rural communities across Guatemala.
The atmosphere was filled with purpose as participants ran through the streets, each step symbolizing a brighter future for the students we aim to support. Beyond the physical challenge, the event was a celebration of new friendships and shared goals, uniting people from all walks of life in the spirit of giving back.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who ran with us, showing that together, we can truly make a difference.
Thanks to the support of: Happy People, Decima Plaza, Active Lab, Renovart Platinum & Wai WAi.
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN SPREADING
SEEDS OF PROGRESS WITH US?
LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW YOU
CAN GET INVOLVED
NURTURING GROWTH
WITH TRANSPARENCY
Every dollar invested is a seed planted for change. Our commitment to responsible stewardship fuels our impact.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS IMPLEMENTATION
56%
General program implementation
37%
School infrastructure
8%
Teacher training
INCOME 2024
54%
Foundation /NGOs
29%
Corporations
8%
Individuals
9%
In-Kind
A GARDEN OF SEEDERS
Together, we cultivate a support network, growing stronger with every partnership.
2024 DONOR BY LEVELS
DIAMOND
SEED
Costa Foundation
Kahawatu Foundation
Macquarie Group
The J.M. Smucker Co.
PLATINUM
SEED
Fabretto Children’s Foundation
Lavazza
Radiohjälpen
GOLD
SEED
Building Goodness Foundation
Lacewing Foundation
Peet’s Coffee Company
Sucafina
SILVER
SEED
Eight O’Clock Coffee Company
Fondazione Ernesto Illy
Fundación Roviralta
George & Alexandra Saloouke
Hart Family Fund
Illy Caffè
Mortenson Family Foundation
Satya and Rao Remala Foundation
BRONZE
SEED
Carlos Ruisanchez
Gregg Johnson
Matthew Fleissig
Nancy Obler and Joe Kauffman
Russell Family Giving Fund
Sonia Cruz de Baltodano
STRATEGIC
ALLIES
Building Goodness Foundation – Costa Foundation – Empresarios por la Educación – Fabretto Children´s Foundation – Funcafé – Gran Campaña Nacional por la Educación – Lacewing Foundation – Happy People – Federación de Cafeteros de Colombia – Fundación Luker – Ministerio de Educación de Guatemala – Ministerio de Salud Guatemala – Mortenson Family Foundation – Municipalidad de Camotán – Municipalidad de Esquipulas – Propel – Red LEI de Centro América y el Caribe – RTI – Save the Children – Unicef – We Effect
WHEN WE PLANT GOOD SEEDS,
GOOD THINGS GROW
Become a seeder by supporting our programs! Your support is the water, sunlight, and care that fuels a child’s future. Join us in cultivating change.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Leadership rooted in experience, nurturing the future of our mission with dedication and care.
KEVIN
MARINACCI
PRESIDENT
INDIANA
BALTODANO
VICE PRESIDENT
MICHELLE
JOHNSON
SECRETARY
members
KENNETH HART
CRAIG RUSSELL
SHARON M. RAVITCH, PHD.
J. ANTONIO
BALTODANO
Growth is a journey, not a destination. With every child we empower and every community we nurture, we are cultivating a future full of possibilities.
For more information, please contact:
EXECUTIVE DIRECTION: mmaldonado@seedsforprogress.org
PARTNERSHIPS AND DEVELOPMENT: info@seedsforprogress.org:
MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION: marevalo@seedsforprogress.org
