2025 in Review: Celebrating the Impact of One, Two…Tree!
As we close out 2025, we at One, Two…Tree! find ourselves filled with deep gratitude. This year has been one of growth and learning, community connection, and meaningful educational impact across Santiago Atitlán. With the support of our volunteers, local partners, donors, and community members, we have continued to expand access to English education, opening new pathways for children, youth, and adults to learn, dream, and take steps toward brighter futures.
Our Education Impact in Santiago Atitlán in 2025
In this final blog of the year (and video below!), we’re excited to share key highlights, reflect on our journey, and celebrate the incredible people who made our 2025 achievements possible.
Volunteer Impact in 2025: 20 People, One Shared Purpose
At the heart of One Two Tree is a simple belief: education grows when people come together. This year, we welcomed 20 international and local volunteers who dedicated their time, skills, and hearts to our mission. With their energy and commitment, we were able to roll out our English programs throughout 2025 and deepen our impact in the community of Santiago Atitlán.
Our volunteers brought creativity to lesson plans, patience to the classroom, and compassion to every interaction. Their diverse perspectives enriched our programs, and their enthusiasm inspired students to learn with confidence.
These volunteer success stories fuel our mission year after year, reminding us that when individuals step forward to serve, whole communities benefit. Whether teaching their first class, hosting a workshop, or helping repaint our Learning Centre, each volunteer left a meaningful mark.
Expanding Access to English Education: 175 Students at Our Learning Centre
Our Learning Centre was busier than ever in 2025. Across 11 programs and two full semesters, we worked with 175 children, teens, and adults, offering beginner to intermediate English classes, conversation practice, exam preparation support, and community workshops.
This year, we focused on strengthening learning outcomes by implementing improved curricula, fostering student engagement through interactive activities, and integrating the needs of our students into lessons. Thanks to the dedication of our Volunteer and Project Coordinator, Candy, and volunteers, our Learning Centre continues to be a welcoming, supportive space where learners of all ages build language skills, and confidence in their language abilities.
From shy young learners speaking their first English words, to adult learners taking the brave plunge to start their English language journey, every student reminded us why accessible education matters.
Graduation day for teen and adult students at our Learning Centre!
Reaching 240 Students in Public Schools: Strengthening English Education at Scale
In partnership with four public schools in Santiago Atitlán, we delivered English lessons to nearly 240 children in grades 4, 5, and 6 throughout the academic year. These school partnerships remain a cornerstone of our model, as this helps to ensure that students in the local public system receive consistent and high-quality English instruction.
Teachers shared inspiring stories of students becoming more participatory, more curious, and more motivated to continue learning English. By supporting schools directly, we help reduce educational gaps and empower young learners to build skills that prepare them for future academic and professional opportunities.
This initiative continues to be one of our most impactful programs, one we aim to strengthen even further in 2026.
Deepening Community Connections in Santiago Atitlán
One, Two…Tree! has been delivering English education projects in Santiago Atitlán for almost ten years. Over this time, we have come to understand how essential working alongside the local culture and community is to the success of our education programs. In 2025, we continued to explore ways to deepen our connections within and across the community.
Building Community Through Language: Intercambio Sessions With Local Partners
This year also saw the return of our community-favourite intercambio language exchange sessions, thanks to the generosity of Le Antigua and SpaceCoffee, two incredible local businesses who hosted the events. These evenings brought together locals, volunteers, and travellers for relaxed Spanish–English exchanges that celebrated culture, communication, and connection.
Community spaces like these deepen our understanding of the world and remind us how powerful language is in bridging cultures. We’re grateful to our local partners for believing in the value of these gatherings.
Celebrating Culture and Community Life in Santiago Atitlán
2025 was not only a year of academic learning, but also a year of full community participation.
We proudly supported students during the annual sports Olympiad, cheering them on as they represented their schools with passion and teamwork.
In September, we took part in local Independence Day celebrations, joining parades, cultural events, and community activities that honour Guatemala’s rich heritage and vibrant traditions. These celebrations were a reminder that education does not exist in isolation, our work grows from the culture and community that welcomes us with open arms.
Refreshing Our Learning Centre: Creating a Welcoming Space for Learning
Thanks to the efforts of our volunteers, stuents and local community members, we painted and refreshed our Learning Centre, giving it a bright new look for the year ahead. A warm, welcoming environment makes a world of difference for students, helping them feel safe, confident, and motivated to learn.
The refresh was more than a coat of paint, it was a symbol of renewal, commitment, and our hope for the future of the project, as well as a mark of our students’ dedication to their learning!
Digital Learning for the Next Generation
Recognising the growing importance of digital literacy in today’s world, we expanded our online initiatives to reach more students beyond the physical classroom.
Expanding Digital Literacy Through Online English Programs
Launching Our Online Kids Book Club:
- In partnership with the Young Readers Society, we launched our first-ever Kids Book Club, bringing reading activities, discussions, and storytelling sessions directly to children in Santiago and beyond. This pilot program encouraged a love of reading in English while promoting imagination, confidence, and digital engagement.
Online Conversation Sessions for Teens and Adults :
- We also launched online English conversation sessions for teens and adults in partnership with ECHO, a Spanish service club based in Singapore. This initiative connected learners across borders, providing them with supportive spaces to practice speaking, improve fluency, and develop global awareness.
Both programs demonstrated the power of blending technology with community-based learning, something we hope to expand further in 2026.
Gratitude for Our Volunteers, Donors, and Community Partners
None of our work in 2025 would have been possible without the generosity and trust of our supporters.
To our donors, thank you for believing in the transformative power of education.
To our volunteers, thank you for giving your time, passion, and creativity.
To our local partners, in particular our partnering Public School, thank you for opening your spaces, for your excellent support and collaboration, and strengthening our connection with the community.
And to the families and students of Santiago Atitlán, thank you for welcoming us with open hearts and inspiring us every day.
Your support allowed us to continue building sustainable education programs that open doors, strengthen community leadership, and create long-term opportunities for learners of all ages.
Looking Ahead to 2026: Growing Sustainable Education Programs
As we step into 2026, we remain committed to:
- Strengthening our volunteer pipelines – for anyone interested in volunteering, apply on our website here!
- Expanding access to free educational programs
- Securing devices and digital tools to support community members in developing tech skills
- Growing partnerships locally and internationally
- Creating a more inclusive and equitable learning environment for all
We’re excited for what lies ahead, and grateful for everyone who will walk this journey with us.
Thank You for Being Part of Our 2025 Story
2025 was a year of impact, resilience, and hope. Together, with volunteers, partners, supporters, and the incredible community of Santiago Atitlán, we planted seeds that will hopefully continue to grow for many years.
Thank you for being part of the One, Two…Tree! family.
Thank you for helping us strengthen education.
Thank you for investing in the future.
Here’s to a meaningful, community-centred, and inspiring 2026.