Safe Passage

Safe Passage, a nonprofit organization, transforms the lives of students residing in the Guatemala City garbage dump community. By providing an exceptional education, enhancing their quality of life, and offering career opportunities with dignity, Safe Passage empowers these students to build a better future for themselves and their families. The mission of Safe Passage is to serve as an international model, demonstrating how transformative education focused on wellness, lifelong learning, vocational skills, and community engagement can break the cycle of poverty.

Established in 1999, Safe Passage began by encouraging parents working in the Guatemala City dump to enroll their children in local schools. The organization then provided educational reinforcement, health, food, and nutrition services during the students' non-school hours. Safe Passage's mission evolved over time, eventually becoming a full-day, pre-K through 9th-grade school. The first 9th-grade class graduated in 2021, marking a significant milestone for the organization.

Safe Passage's educational approach is centered around Expeditionary Learning, a hands-on, experiential approach. This method takes students beyond the classroom, allowing them to work together on projects that investigate community issues and incorporate various subjects, such as science, social studies, reading, math, technology, and the arts. Expeditions can last several weeks to an entire semester, promoting critical thinking, literacy, and character development. By presenting their work to others and participating in rigorous assessments, students develop a sense of responsibility and accountability.

Safe Passage's model also emphasizes small group instruction and fosters a school culture rooted in kindness, respect, responsibility, a sense of adventure, an ethic of service, and a desire for excellence. Crew advisory meetings provide support and accountability, ensuring a consistent adult presence for students over several years. This close-knit environment, often referred to as a "second family," plays a crucial role in the overall success of the students.

Beyond the classroom, Safe Passage recognizes that various factors outside the school can impact student success. To address these challenges, the organization provides a team of psychologists and social workers to assist students with learning difficulties, psychological issues, or family problems. Additionally, a health clinic and health education program offer services to students and their families. The Family Nurturing Program teaches parents discipline without violence and how to build positive family relationships.

Today, Safe Passage supports an average of 560 students from preschool through high school. The organization also offers various services to other family members, serving over 300 families. By providing a holistic approach to education and poverty reduction, Safe Passage is dedicated to transforming the lives of students in the Guatemala City garbage dump community, empowering them to achieve a better future for themselves and their families.