Railroad tracks cut across Zone 12 in Guatemala City, stretching for miles toward Mexico. The abandoned rail corridor, "linea ferrea," is home to a squatter community of approximately 1500 people. Within eight feet of the rails on either side are dirt floor homes with tin siding and roofs. Fifty percent of the families are headed by single moms, and the children typically work in the streets selling, or babysit younger siblings at home.

HOPE Worldwide Guatemala initiated a renovation of an abandoned building along the tracks for use as a community school. Additional support was provided by Ericsson Guatemala, and in 2003 La Escuelita de HOPE began the school year with 38 children.

Since that time the school has added three classrooms and two toilets, and received accredidation from the government as a private school. In 2006 the name was changed to Colegio HOPE to reflect that status.

The 2007 school year began in January with 230 students in preschool through the 5th grade, six teachers, and one caretaker. The school also organized a soccer team for the community matches on Saturday afternoons. Students attend half-day sessions, as there is limited space. The quality of instruction and genuine concern for the children sets this small school above the average Guatemalan public school.

Friends of Guatemala has been involved with Colegio HOPE since 2005, delivering school supplies, clothing, toys and food. In 2006 we provided funding and volunteers to replace the roof, make repairs and repaint the classrooms. With a generous donation from the Apex Rotary Club, NC, we purchased textbooks for the current school year.

Since the school does not receive ongoing funding, we began the "Adopt a Teacher" Program to ensure the staff would receive their $13.50 daily salary. Prior to this initiative, salaries were paid when donations were received, and of course, there were often gaps.

We are currently working in partnership with Rotary International to raise funding for a new school / community center building for the "linea ferrea" community.