What is it like to grow up as a child in Guatemala? At Senderos, we often hear this question from supporters who want to better understand the lives of the children we walk alongside. The answer is layered—filled with both joys and challenges, with moments of play and learning, but also responsibilities and obstacles that children shouldn’t have to carry.
Morning: School—or Work
In Guatemala, elementary education is officially free. Yet, the costs of books, uniforms, school supplies, and transportation are often more than a family can afford. Many children begin school but drop out before completing the six compulsory years. For rural and Indigenous children—especially girls—the barriers are even higher.
On a typical weekday, some children head off to school, often on foot, with a long walk ahead of them. Others, however, stay home or go to work. In rural communities, it is common for children to help with farming, selling goods in the market, or taking care of younger siblings while parents work. According to UNICEF, about one in four Guatemalan children between ages 7 and 14 works instead of attending school full-time.
Midday: Play, Work, and Family Life
When school is in session, mornings or afternoons are spent in the classroom. Teachers often work with very few resources—sometimes without enough books or materials for each student. Yet children bring energy and eagerness to learn, and teachers do their best to nurture that curiosity.
Outside of school hours, childhood can look very different than what many of us imagine. Helping with chores, grinding corn for tortillas, making items to sell, or tending animals is part of daily life for many children. At the same time, laughter rings through villages as kids invent games, play soccer, or share stories with friends. Joy, resilience, and creativity shine even when resources are scarce.
Evening: Dreams for the Future
Evenings are often spent with family—sharing meals, doing homework (when there is light to study by), or preparing for the next day. For many children, dreams of becoming a teacher, nurse, or musician live side by side with the reality of limited opportunity. Without support, those dreams are often cut short too soon.
The Role of Senderos
This is where Senderos, with your support, comes in. Together, we work alongside families to keep children in school and help them thrive. Whether through scholarships, school supplies, mentoring, or music and arts programs, we aim to open doors so that children can experience a fuller childhood—one that includes learning, play, and hope for the future. “Senderos” means pathways, and that’s a good descriptor for our work: creating pathways.
Why It Matters
Childhood in Guatemala is a mixture of responsibility and resilience, challenge and joy. Every child deserves the chance to learn, to dream, and to grow into their full potential. With your support, we are helping make that possible.