Make a Difference This Giving Season With the season of giving fast approaching, Nicolás Fund For Education invites our cherished supporters to join us as Giving Tuesday Ambassadors. This is your opportunity to play a pivotal role in transforming the lives of underprivileged students through education, and we are thrilled to have you with us on this impactful journey. Why Become a Giving Tuesday Ambassador? By stepping into the role of an ambassador, you will: Your Role as an Ambassador As an ambassador, you’ll leverage your voice and network to raise awareness and encourage contributions to the Nicolás Fund For Education. Together, we can reach more individuals and inspire them to join us in this critical mission. Ready to Make a Difference? We invite you to become a Giving Tuesday Ambassador and partner with us in this global movement. Your engagement can have a profound impact and help change lives. Ambassadors can use their own images and words or the graphics/images and text provided by Nicolás Fund For Education. Contact Us For more information on how to get involved, contact David Lee. He is eager to help you maximize your impact as part of our ambassador team. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to education. Let’s come together this Giving Tuesday to create a future where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.
Empowering the Future in Ixil: Nicolás Fund For Education is Transforming Guatemalan Youth
Phenomenal change is happening in the Ixil, and I have witnessed that change firsthand. In 2002, I traveled to the Ixil on an AGROS trip to work alongside the village of La Esperanza. My husband Dave and I continued to work with Villa Hortensia Uno (VH1). Now, as a veteran traveler to Guatemala, I have made twelve working trips to the Ixil. I attended the Nicolas Christian School graduation ceremony for Villa Hortensia Uno in 2018. These were the first students ever to complete ninth grade in this village. It was a thrill to see their joy and accomplishments celebrated. Some had waited years to have the opportunity to learn past the sixth grade. It was a dream of a lifetime to earn a ninth-grade education. Two of the students were twenty and twenty-one years of age. Thank you to Nicolàs Fund for Education for extending education to this remote village. I had the joy and excitement of meeting the three teachers and one tutor employed at the school. I knew these teachers from elementary age. These teachers graduated from the very first graduating class in 2018. They worked hard to overcome adversity to complete high school and continued their education beyond high school to become teachers. This is their village. They were born and raised and educated here. And now they have chosen to pass on the blessing of education to their brothers and sisters, cousins, and friends, who would not otherwise have an open path for the future. They are thirsty to learn. Two of the teachers in VH1 are pursuing university degrees using online learning. Eliseo is studying theology, and Juan is studying English. By investing in …
Welcome David Lee to the NFE Team!
We are thrilled to introduce David Lee, the newest Nicolás Fund for Education (NFE) team member. David is joining us as our Volunteer Coordinator. David brings a wealth of experience in community engagement and volunteer coordination, which will be invaluable as we continue to grow and support our mission. About David Lee David comes to NFE with an impressive background in volunteer management and community engagement. He has previously worked with several non-profit organizations, where he developed and managed volunteer programs and oversaw recruitment, training, and retention strategies. His passion for empowering others and creating meaningful connections aligns perfectly with our mission at NFE. David and his family have also been actively involved with NFE, having participated in the NFE June Mission Trip with Encounter Church. This personal experience with our organization gives him a unique perspective and a deep understanding of our goals and values. David’s Role as Volunteer Coordinator In his new role, David will connect volunteers with areas of need within NFE to further our mission of empowering Mayan youth in the Ixil region of Guatemala. His responsibilities will include: David is eager to engage with our current volunteers and welcome new ones into the NFE community. Join Our Mission At NFE, we believe every volunteer plays a crucial role in helping us achieve our mission. We have a variety of volunteer opportunities available. Discover more about these opportunities and how to get involved by visiting our Volunteer Opportunities page. Welcome, David! Let’s make a difference together. We are excited to have David on board and look forward to his positive impact on our volunteer programs. Together, we can empower the next generation to dream big and …
Celebrating Mayan Culture at Nicolás Christian School
In a vibrant display of tradition and beauty, Nicolás Christian School recently celebrated Guatemalan Independence Day (September 15th) with a unique focus on the rich Mayan culture. Unlike any other, this special event beautifully showcased the unique heritage of the Ixil in Guatemala. A Day Filled with Tradition The Nicolás Christian School students and staff adorned themselves in traditional Ixil region clothing from various villages in the Quiché Department, creating a vivid tapestry of cultural pride and diversity. The school grounds came alive with an array of displays featuring handmade pottery, intricate weaving, traditional foods, and crops. Visitors were greeted by stunning floral carpets, the rhythmic melodies of the marimba—Guatemala’s national musical instrument—and the vibrant sight of round kites, traditionally flown on All Saints Day to ward off bad spirits. The celebration extended beyond mere displays. Handcrafted representations of Mayan archaeological discoveries sparked curiosity. Adding to the lively atmosphere, a live puppy and clucking chickens charmed attendees, bringing an authentic touch of rural Guatemalan life to the event. Honoring Contributions The heart of the celebration was a poignant tribute to women’s contributions to Guatemala’s development. A female student embodied this spirit by wearing Ixil clothing, adorned with a mantilla (lace veil), and holding a lit candle. Her presence symbolized Mayan women’s enduring strength and importance throughout Guatemalan history. A Tribute to Heritage Our students paid homage to their heritage through marimba music and heartfelt speeches, proudly singing the Guatemalan national anthem. This celebration was not just an event but a testament to Nicolás Christian School’s deep respect for Ixil culture in Guatemala. Your support is invaluable to us, and we are deeply grateful for your generosity in allowing our students …
Sabrina’s Journey: A Testament to Resilience and Faith
Meet Sabrina, a remarkable 10th grader at Nicolás Christian School. Her story is inspiring, unique, and heartwarming. Despite facing numerous challenges, Sabrina’s unwavering commitment to education and dreams of a brighter future set her apart. Sabrina’s path has been challenging. Born to an unwed mother, Sabrina and her twin sister faced a difficult start in life. Due to societal pressures and family dynamics, her twin sister was given to another family, and she now lives in Huehuetenango while Sabrina stays with her mother. After her mother passed away, Sabrina found herself living with various aunts and uncles, navigating conflicts and adjusting to different living circumstances. A Commitment to Education and Dreams Despite these hardships, Sabrina has never lost her resolve. She is determined to finish high school and pursue veterinary medicine as a career—a field with scarce representation in her hometown of San Juan Cotzal, where only three veterinarians practice. Her compassion for animals is evident when she recently cared for a pregnant dog in distress at Nicolás Christian School. Faith as a Guiding Force For Sabrina, faith is not just a belief but a guiding force. Baptized as a Catholic, she later embraced Evangelical Christianity while living with an uncle. Her faith has been a constant source of strength, enabling her to persist even when life seemed overwhelming. Sabrina shares, “Sometimes your circumstances are hard, and life is difficult. You might even wish you weren’t alive, but you must keep going in faith because God is with you. No matter your circumstances, you must keep moving forward and pursue your dreams and goals.” Building a Future Despite Adversity With a love for Cotzal’s many street dogs and a knack …
A Story of Resilience and Hope in La Bendición
We are excited to share the inspiring story of Sandra, an 11th-grade student at Nicolás Christian School, whose life has been significantly impacted by your generous support. Sandra’s family lives in the village of La Bendición, which translates to “The Blessing,” and indeed, their story is one of hope, resilience, and triumph over adversity. Meet Sandra and Her Family Sandra lives with her mother, Teresa, in a small cinderblock house perched high on the steep hill of La Bendición. Tragically, Sandra lost her father to alcoholism when she was only 13. The loss was absolutely devastating for the entire family, and Sandra struggled with her studies for a period after her father’s death. Sandra drew strength from her mother’s unwavering support. Sandra’s mother told her, “I never got to go to school. I want to see you be successful!” Determined to succeed and help her mother, Sandra has remained committed to her studies despite the challenges. Her brother, Pedro Isaias, is a proud graduate of Nicolás Christian School. Pedro Isaias then attended Universidad San Carlos to obtain his degree in Education through a Ten Talents Program scholarship. Today, Pedro is a carpentry teacher at Nicolás Christian School. Her sister, Magdalena Sara, was one of the first Nicolás Christian School graduates. Sara obtained a university scholarship from FEP Maya and attended Universidad Mariano Galvez in Quetzaltenango. She is finishing up her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Magdalena Sara is currently employed in the Mayor’s office in San Juan Cotzal. Donors like you have helped both Pedro Isaias and Magdalena Sara to escape poverty successfully! The Impact of Your Support Your contributions have made a world of difference for Sandra. She …
Fulfilling a Dream 2024: A Celebration of Education and Empowerment
Nicolás Fund For Education’s Fulfilling a Dream 2024 fundraisers were a resounding success, bringing together educational supporters, donors, and community members to celebrate the transformative power of education. The events, held at Peninsula Lutheran Church in Gig Harbor on May 2, 2024 and Encounter Church in Mercer Island, WA, on May 3, 2024, showcased the inspiring mission behind Nicolás Fund For Education and the remarkable strides made together. Unveiling the Mission and Impact Ivan España, our passionate and dedicated National Director, shared the inspiring mission of Nicolás Fund For Education and the remarkable achievements made possible through the support of our generous donors. Guests were moved by the powerful stories of students whose lives have been dramatically changed. They heard their firsthand testimonials that vividly showcased how contributions fuel dreams and unlock endless potential. Firsthand Experiences from Mission Trip Members Mission Trip Members Susan Shamblin, Andrew Metz, and Gabi Beckman shared inspiring stories of their NFE mission trips, during which they had the life-changing opportunity to impact the lives of marginalized youth in the Ixil region of Guatemala. They witnessed firsthand how NFE is breaking the cycle of poverty and injustice through faith and education. The Birth of Nicolás Fund for Education Becci Merritt, NFE Board President, shared how Nicolás Fund for Education came to be – a journey of enduring love, transformation, and shared belief in the power of prayer and education to overcome poverty. Twelve years ago, Becci Merritt, Al Lopus, Joan Selvig, Kathy Riper, and Lolo Levy began their mission with hearts that saw a place where chronic grinding poverty and discrimination have a firm stronghold. Becci outlined their 12-year journey from junior and senior high school …
Helping People, Changing Lives: 3 Health Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteers make an immeasurable difference in people’s lives and often serve to help others. Did you know that volunteering can benefit your health as well? Research has shown that volunteering offers significant health benefits, especially for older adults, including: 1. Improves physical and mental health. 2. Provides a sense of purpose and teaches valuable skills. 3. Nurture new and existing relationships. (Excerpted from Angela Thoreson, M.S.W.’s 8-1-23 article in Mayo Clinic Health System’s newsletter.) Get Involved: Become an NFE Volunteer Nicolás Fund For Education is on a mission to empower Mayan youth in the Ixil region of Guatemala to break free from generational poverty through Christ-centered education. We’re looking for passionate, dedicated volunteers to join our cause and make a real difference in the lives of these students. Whether you’re a skilled grant writer, a social media savant, or an experienced educator, we have a variety of roles where your unique talents can shine. From helping with fundraising events to providing virtual tutoring via WhatsApp, you can contribute to our mission in many ways. If you’re ready to be part of something bigger than yourself and impact the future of Mayan youth in Guatemala, we invite you to explore our volunteer opportunities and apply today. Together, we can empower the next generation to dream big and achieve their full potential. We are currently seeking volunteers for the following roles:
A Journey of Grace, Hope, and Faith: My Experience in Guatemala
Greetings! My name is Sheri, and I am delighted to share an extraordinary experience I had in Guatemala this past February with the Nicolás Fund For Education’s Mission Team. This journey with Peninsula Lutheran Church members was a testament to the power of grace, hope, and faith. A Royal Welcome Upon our arrival at Nicolás school, we were greeted as if we were royalty. The eldest grade students escorted us to breakfast on our first day, where we were treated to a wonderful meal. Immediately following, the students prepared an assembly based on scripture and infused it with local culture. The grace these students exhibited, even as we were there to learn, help, and observe, was truly overwhelming. Classrooms Filled with Love and Respect We were welcomed into the classrooms, witnessing the daily practice of scripture reading and hymn singing. The teachers and students invited us to pray with them and for them. The teachers’ sense of love and grace for the students was palpable, and in return, I could feel immense respect from the students toward their teachers. The principal and teachers knew each student by name, and every student seemed comfortable asking for prayer or discussing their struggles. Hope and Faith: The Foundation of Education Each student radiated a level of hope – within us, their school, and the teachers before them. It was evident that this school is rooted in faith, as every morning began with hymns, Bible readings led by the teachers, and prayer. Watching these children light up as our team introduced them to new subject matter was an amazing experience. Through faith and determination, they realized they could achieve great things and reach their …
Honoring the Legacy of Bill Safström Visionary Educator and Beloved Friend
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Nicolás Fund for Education’s Vice-President and Chair of the Education Committee, Bill Safström, on February 25, 2024 from a brief neurological illness. Bill died of CJD (Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease), which is always fatal and for which there is no treatment. Bill’s visionary spirit and unwavering commitment to education have left an indelible mark on Nicolás Christian School and the entire Ixil region of Guatemala. With his extensive experience founding Christian schools in the United States, Bill played an instrumental role in establishing the Nicolás Christian School as a beacon of hope with full-day, high-quality education for impoverished Mayan children in Guatemala’s Ixil region. His forward-thinking approach led to the development of diverse educational programs, fostering excellence at the school’s junior and senior high levels. A passionate advocate for digital literacy, Bill introduced innovative educational technology to students and teachers. This included facilitating access to digital books and educational curriculum via tablets, implementing digital record-keeping for teachers, and creating a tutoring program for sixth graders to prepare them for Nicolas Christian School utilizing RACHEL devices—portable repositories of educational content available offline. Beyond the school’s premises, Bill’s passion was creating nine village community libraries, collectively housing over 7,000 books to encourage a love of reading amongst the Ixil community. He also initiated annual teacher professional development workshops for Ixil region primary and secondary school educators, covering pivotal topics from classroom management to teaching strategies. Bill’s commitment to inclusivity and expansion of knowledge throughout the Ixil region led to hosting these workshops virtually, thus broadening accessibility. More than 150 teachers attended these annual workshops in a region devoid of teacher professional development resources. Bill’s insatiable curiosity about the world, and his …
