Amigos de Chocolá
is a non-profit, secular organization whose mission is to overcome poverty through education in the rural village of Chocolá, Guatemala.
Founded in 2005, Amigos is committed to promoting a sustainable future for the people of Chocolá by providing scholarships to middle- and high school students along with other social and economic development programs. Amigos believes in a holistic approach to development – reducing poverty and hopelessness in a developing community in a way that respects the self-determination and aspirations of its residents.
When you donate to Amigos 95% of your donation goes to scholarships and other educational and social initiatives for our students and their families in Chocola. All board members and the CEO serve on a voluntary basis and each one donates annually to our programs.
what would you do if…
YOUR DREAMS OF BECOMING A TEACHER, MANAGER OR EVEN A TOWN MAYOR WERE VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO ACHIEVE DUE TO A LACK OF MONEY TO ATTEND SCHOOL?
Such is the dilemma facing so many of our young friends in Guatemala.
Students in Guatemala are expected to attend school from first through sixth grades in public schools funded by the government. However, “public” education beyond sixth grade is not funded by the government. It costs more than $250 per year for a student to attend junior high, and more than $350 per year for high school. With families in Chocolá earning an average of $3 per day, most students cannot even dream of an education beyond sixth grade.
In addition, if girls do not continue their education beyond sixth grade, virtually all will become pregnant as young teens.
our impact
Since 2011, thanks to the generous support of our donors, 116 students in Chocolá have received Amigos scholarships to attend middle and/or high school. Currently, 68 students are attending school thanks to Amigos scholarships. By granting assistance to deserving students, Amigos brings greater opportunities for bringing students and their families out of the cycle of poverty.
Amigos is a 501(c)(3) organization.
“As you have helped me with my dreams, I hope to be able to help others accomplish the same. I want a career in management so that I can be helping my Mom and family.”
board of directors
officers
John D. Hill, President - Claremont, CA
Lauren M. Hill, Secretary - Los Angeles, CA Cheryl Trinidad, Treasurer - Los Angele, CA
MEMBERS
Victor Diaz Can - Chocolá, Guatemala Oscar Pablo Segundo-Comalapa, Guatemala
Anne E. Kraemer - Antigua, Guatemala Lorne Olfman, Ph.D. - Claremont, CA
Marcella Fasano - Nederland, CO Sieglinde Lug - Denver, CO Thomas T. Reiley, MD - Golden, CO
Emeritus BOARD MEMBERS
Patricia Coen - Mt. Pleasant, MI
Leland H. Chambers (deceased) - Denver, CO
STAFF
Ayni (“Lety”) Yaxon Hernandez - Administrative Assistant, Chocola, Guatemala