Education is the foundation of opportunity, and for many children in remote communities, it’s a path to a brighter future. Nicolás Fund for Education (NFE) is paving this path by creating village libraries in underserved areas of the Central Highlands of Guatemala. These libraries are not just collections of books—they are hubs of hope, resources, and empowerment designed to break the generational cycle of poverty. The Need for Village Libraries Guatemala’s remote Ixil region faces unique challenges when it comes to education. Public elementary schools operate part-time and have limited resources, leaving children without access to books or the ability to build critical language and literacy skills. The majority of parents in these communities are illiterate and predominantly speak Mayan languages, meaning that children must learn Spanish—the official language of education—within the confines of an under-resourced school system. Compounding the issue, there are no public libraries in these areas to offer additional learning support. This void has long hindered children’s ability to succeed in school and beyond, as poor Spanish fluency and limited vocabulary severely affect their academic progress. NFE’s Visionary Solution Recognizing this gap, NFE launched its first village libraries in 2020 and has since expanded the initiative rapidly. Starting with three libraries, the program grew to five more in 2021, an additional one in 2023, and aims to open its 10th library in Vichibala in 2024. These mini-libraries are carefully designed to meet the unique needs of each community. They’re stocked with culturally relevant books in Spanish, including works by Guatemalan authors and age-appropriate educational materials. These libraries serve as bridges between language, culture, and opportunity. Building Communities Through Books The work doesn’t end with establishing libraries. NFE …
Al Lopus Returns as NFE President to Lead Us Into a New Era of Growth and Impact
We are thrilled to share an exciting update with you! Starting January 1, 2025, Al Lopus will assume the role of President at NFE. As a co-founder of NFE and a former President, Al brings an unparalleled understanding of our mission and a strong connection to our team. This makes him the ideal leader to guide us into the next phase of growth and impact. Al is highly regarded for his expertise in strategic planning and leadership. With his direction, we are confident that NFE will continue to thrive, reach new heights, and further its mission of driving meaningful change. Your ongoing support is crucial to our success, and we are excited to keep you updated during this transition. Together, we will build on our foundation and reach even greater achievements in the years to come. Thank you for being part of the NFE journey!
Thank You for Fully Funding Our 2025 Academic Budget!
We are beyond thrilled to announce that Nicolás Fund for Education’s 2025 academic budget is now fully funded! This achievement is a direct result of your generosity, compassion, and unwavering belief in the power of education to transform lives. A special shoutout goes to those who responded to our appeal letters. Your heartfelt support has ensured that every program we envisioned will be implemented. More students will have access to life-changing educational opportunities, and our mission to empower rural Guatemalan communities through education will continue to thrive. Thanks to your contributions, we’re entering another exciting chapter. As we continue to grow, our new school is gradually filling its halls with bright minds and hopeful futures. This year, we increased our student body once again, bringing us closer to the school’s capacity of 300 students over the next 3 to 5 years. With a growing student body comes an increasing need for resources, and we know we can count on you to stand with us as we move forward. The impact of your support ripples far and wide, and now we ask for one more thing—please consider sharing our mission with your friends, family, and networks. Please help us spread the word about why Nicolás Fund for Education is a cause worth supporting! Thank you for believing in a brighter future and being part of our community. Together, we’ll keep building opportunities for generations to come.
Join Us as a Giving Tuesday Ambassador
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 …
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:
