Escuela Kemna’oj, founded in 2013 through the visionary work of founder Joe Collins, provides education at no cost to families living in the Santa María de Jesús community.

Education is crucial to the future of Guatemala’s next generation. Most adults in our communities have not had the opportunity to attend school. Part of our mission is to educate their children as one of the pathways out of poverty.

Escuela Kemna’oj is located in Santa María de Jesús

Our current enrollment at Escuela Kemna’oj is 202 students. To allow the opportunity for more children in the community to receive an education we have increased the class size to a maximum of 20 students.

The majority of the parents in the community do not read or write and thus is the responsibility of the teacher to be of complete support to the child.

There are currently 18 Kemna’oj graduates attending high schools and vocational schools in Antigua and surrounding areas. Twenty of our proud students have already graduated from a high school of their choice. This is an important milestone as we believe that education is the key to unlocking opportunities for better employment and living conditions.

Joe Collins at Escuela Kemna’oj Opening.

For $60/month, we provide our students with a life-changing education that includes two nutritious meals and snacks each day plus all school supplies. Our annual school sponsorship gives a child living in poverty access to quality education in a supportive environment. Above all, it provides their entire family hope for the future.

$60 A MONTH

Sponsor a Student
( $2 a day)

We encourage engagement and communication between sponsors and students. Sponsors use this link message and can send photos & offer words of encouragement. They also can visit in person. These forms of contact bring unimaginable happiness to our students, who appreciate knowing that someone cares for them and supports their studies.

Our 9th-grade graduates move on to high school or vocational school, in a specialized area of study. Currently, we sponsor 22 high school students, covering their registration, tuition, and transportation along with uniforms, books, and materials. We welcome sponsorships from donors who want to support older students in their chosen academic pursuits. Some of our high school graduates have started working at jobs that will help them and their families improve their living situations.