In Santiago Atitlán, 11-year-old Esteban has already faced more instability in his life than many children his age.
He’s the second of five siblings, and his home life hasn’t always been stable. Like many families in the region, they’ve faced periods of uncertainty, times when daily life feels unpredictable and difficult to navigate.
But when Esteban talks about school, his tone shifts.
He describes it as a space of “peace, respect, and support.”
Esteban first came to Escuela David LaMotte when he was three years old. At the time, the school only offered early childhood programs, so when he finished kindergarten, he had to leave.
His mother found another option so he could continue his education, but the transition was hard. He didn’t feel at ease in that environment, and eventually, he stopped going.
For a while, school fell out of reach.
Later, when the school began expanding to include primary grades, Esteban had the chance to return—this time to a place that already felt familiar.
Now in third grade, he’s back in a steady rhythm of learning. He’s building friendships, gaining confidence, and reconnecting with his education in a way that feels sustainable.
“I feel part of a community that protects me and encourages me to keep moving forward,” he says.
This is a quiet but important part of the work of Senderos. It’s not only about opening the door to education—it’s about keeping that door open. For many students, the path isn’t linear. There are interruptions, setbacks, and seasons where school simply isn’t possible.
What matters is that there’s a place to return to.
Esteban’s circumstances at home are still challenging. But he continues to show up.
He talks about wanting to succeed in school, to support his mother, and to contribute to his community one day. Education, for him, and his school are a steady foundation, something he can hold onto.
Thank you for making it possible for Esteban, and more than 150 other students at Escuela David LaMotte, to have a place where they feel secure and can grow.