These are some of the projects that PEG has supported over the years. In general, PEG supports projects that are Guatemalan initiated and run, and that deal specifically with literacy, critical thought, and artistic expression, usually in libraries and public schools.
A few of these projects are ongoing, where PEG provides funding each year, while some are completed, where PEG funded a one-time project.
Chacaya Pronade school, Chacaya, Atitlán (completed) — $12,000 for a retaining wall in order to begin construction on a new school for the village of Chacaya on a steep piece of property.
CEDIN school, El Tejar, Chimaltenango (ongoing $6,500/year) — Music program for students in the village of El Tejar. In partnership with LEAF International, PEG has paid music teachers’ salaries and bought instruments for the program since 2007. PEG and LEAF also brought the band to North Carolina in 2012, 2014, and 2017. They performed in Western North Carolina schools, at Duke University and at the LEAF Festival.
Escuelita de Preschool David LaMotte, Tzanchaj, Atitlán (ongoing)- PEG has been the main donor of this school since 2004. In 2018, PEG bought new property to construct a new schoolhouse with room to grow the school to serve children through their elementary years.
Biblioteca Puerta Abierta, Santiago Atitlán (ongoing) – The Puerta Abierta is a magical place that serves as a community education center, engaging young and old in the love of learning and reading. PEG has had the honor to support many projects over the years and continues to support the traveling library that takes books to villages around the lake that do not have access to a library.
BrillaGuate, El Tejar, Chimaltenango (ongoing $300/year/scholarship recipient) – BrillaGuate is a scholarship program for young women who are deeply impoverished and would not have the opportunity to finish high school without outside support. This program not only gives financial support to help pay for school and school supplies, but it also supports the young women with workshops and tutoring. Workshops focus on themes of self-confidence, self-care, healthy relationships, good study habits, and much more.