2024: A year of lively conversations, laughter and learning!
As 2024 comes to a close, we reflect on an incredible year of growth, impact, connection, fun and friendships at One, Two…Tree!. Thanks to the hard work of our volunteers, the support of our partners, and the enthusiasm of our students, we’ve made meaningful strides in Santiago Atitlán, Guatemala. Here’s a look at what we’ve achieved this year, our plans for 2025, and a HUGE heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey this past year.
Celebrating Our 2024 Achievements
Supporting Public Schools
This year, we taught English to 379 students across grades 4, 5, and 6 in five public schools. These lessons go beyond language; they build confidence, inspire curiosity, and open doors to future opportunities.
Community Learning Center Programs
Our Learning programs continued to thrive, reaching 158 kids, teens, and adults across 2 semesters and 8 English programs. These tailored classes ensure that learners of all ages can enhance their English skills in a supportive environment.
Teach the Teachers Program
A major milestone in 2024 was launching our “Teach the Teachers” program, which trained five local teachers. This initiative empowers educators to independently teach English, amplifying our impact within the community.
Cultural Exchange Through Intercambio Sessions
We hosted six intercambio language exchange sessions, bringing together locals and international volunteers for cultural and linguistic exchange, fostering mutual respect, understanding and a few new friendships!
Environmental and Recreational Initiatives
Community Clean-Up: In collaboration with local residents, we organised a cleanup to help keep Lake Atitlán beautiful and sustainable.
Football Training for Girls: These sessions provided a fun and empowering space for girls to build confidence and teamwork skills.
Looking Ahead to 2025: Building on our impacts
As we look forward to 2025, we’re beyond excited to continue making a difference in Santiago Atitlán. Our plans include:
Continued Support for Public Schools
We remain committed to partnering with local schools to provide English education to more students, enhancing their skills and future prospects.
A New Round of Learning Centre Programs
Our English programs at our Learning Centre will resume, offering engaging, learner-centred opportunities for kids, teens, and adults in the community.
Expanding the Teach the Teachers Program
We aim to train more local educators, empowering them to lead English classes independently and sustainably. If you or anyone you know from within the Lake Atitlán community is interested in learning with us, reach out!
Launching an Internship Program
To support aspiring educators, we plan on launching an internship program for graduate teachers from the region. This program will provide practical work experience while allowing them to contribute to our mission as volunteers.
Exploring Partnership Opportunities
We’re actively seeking partnerships with local businesses, organisations, and stakeholders to expand our community support efforts and foster sustainable development
A Heartfelt Thank You
None of our achievements this year would have been possible without the unwavering support of so many:
Our Financial Donors: Your generosity fuels our programs and enables us to reach more people.
Homestay families: A very special thanks to the local homestay families who warmly welcomed our volunteers into their homes. By sharing meals, stories, and traditions, these families offered an immersive experience that allowed volunteers to be a part of the community.
The Community of Santiago Atitlán: Thank you for welcoming us and collaborating on every step of our journey.
Local Businesses: Space Coffee, Le Antigua, Germinación Cocina-Bistro and Restaurante Atitlán your support in hosting intercambio sessions created vibrant spaces for cultural exchange, engaged conversations and laughter.
The Local Government and Ministry of Education: We deeply appreciate your continued support of our work and initiatives and look forward to another fruitful partnership in the new year.
Public Schools and Students: Thank you for partnering with us and bringing your enthusiasm, dedication, and curiosity to learn and creating such a fantastic and welcoming teaching experience for our volunteers.
Our Volunteers: We welcomed 25 incredible volunteers from countries including Spain, Canada, England, Scotland, Korea, Chile, Germany, France, Belgium, the USA, Australia, Spain, Basque Country and Guatemala itself! Each volunteer brought unique skills and passion and without them our work would not be possible so big thanks to you all: Abbie, Denis, Susan, Charlie, Solange, Carlos, Tonito, Toño, Emma, Sonia, Sony, Max, Carla, Daniela, Janette, Edwin, Amber, Hannah, David GF, Marian, Amber, Emiel, David W, Dana and Andrea!
Our Volunteer and Project Coordinator: Candy, your leadership and dedication ensured our programs ran smoothly and effectively.
Join Us in 2025
If you’re inspired by our work and want to be part of something meaningful, here’s how you can contribute:
Volunteer with Us
Whether you’re interested in volunteer English teaching or community initiatives, there’s a place for you. Just fill out the Application Form on our website to express your interest!
Donate
Help us sustain and grow our impact in Santiago Atitlán. You can make a donation via our GoFundMe fundraising campaign or via a bank transfer (details available on our donate page).
Partner with Us
We’re eager to collaborate with individuals and organisations that share our mission. Reach out if you want to connect with us to share your ideas!
Looking Toward a Brighter Future
As we prepare for 2025, we carry forward the lessons, achievements, and partnerships of this year. Together, we’re creating a future where education empowers individuals, strengthens communities, and opens the door to endless possibilities.
Thank you for being part of the One, Two…Tree! family. We can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve together next year!
Visit One, Two… Tree! to learn more or get involved today.