Blog

by David LaMotte, co-founder of Senderos Last weekend in the United States we celebrated the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. In our house, we call it “Interdependence Day,” since I asked Deanna to marry me on that day 24 years ago. Amazingly, she accepted, and our subsequent honeymoon in Guatemala led to the… Read More →

Our current Board Secretary, Julie Liptak, joined the first open trip to Guatemala with Senderos in July 2018. Having (mostly) raised her three sons while looking at the winddown of her career as a global Human Resources leader working within large multinational corporations, there was space in her life for more fulfilling connections and projects…. Read More →

Every year on June 25, Guatemala celebrates Día del Maestro or the Day of the Teacher. Across the country, schools fill with music, performances, flowers, and gratitude for the educators who shape the lives of children every day. Teacher appreciation is a worthy cause, but it’s especially meaningful in Guatemala where behind the celebration is… Read More →

School is not even out yet, so why are we already talking about school supplies? Because you can make a huge difference for students in Guatemala by putting some thought now into hosting a supply drive! You can host the supply drive anytime, but the BEST time is in July and August when supplies are… Read More →

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… Read More →

This year marks ten years since the beginning of the scholarship and mentoring program Brillaguate in the town of El Tejar, Guatemala. Ten years of walking alongside students and their families, offering weekly tutoring in Spanish, English, math, and computer skills, along with monthly financial support to help students stay in school. Sara Morales, who… Read More →

Join us for a concert and party on Saturday, April 25 to celebrate David LaMotte’s birthday and raise important funds for Senderos, the organization that he and Deanna, his wife, started on their honeymoon 22 years ago. David, a renowned musician, author, and speaker that has performed over 3500 concerts, will be joined by the… Read More →

From the very beginning, the work of Senderos has been rooted in partnership. It was even part of our original name, PEG Partners. Programs in Guatemala have grown out of relationships built patiently, with care and intention. Program Directors are deeply connected to their communities and understand both the needs and the limits present in… Read More →

by Sarah Robinson At the heart of the Escuela Comunitaria David LaMotte are its teachers. They are dedicated, passionate, and deeply rooted in the community. Each day, they bring not only knowledge to the classroom but also joy, creativity, and a vision for what education can mean in the lives of children. We asked several… Read More →

Raise your hand if you’re retired, will soon be, or wanna be! My hand is up, too. Shortly after my husband, Rod, and I retired, we moved to Western North Carolina.  And it wasn’t long after we got settled that I began wondering — what am I going to do for my second act? As… Read More →

by David LaMotte Sometimes, when I speak publicly about our work in Guatemala, someone will ask a particular question: Why work in Guatemala when there is so much suffering right now here in our own community? It is certainly legitimate to ask, and I have heard the questions enough times that I think it deserves… Read More →

by Sharon LeDuc We asked Sharon LeDuc, an Asheville resident, Senderos supporter, and proud member of the Rotary Club of Asheville, to share her thoughts about why she supports Senderos. (pictured 3rd from the right, back) “After three visits to Senderos-supported programs in Guatemala, I speak truth when I say that I experienced beauty, hospitality,… Read More →

“My name is Martín Ramírez Ixbalán. I’m 9 years old and in first grade at the David LaMotte School.” Martín was born in Panabaj in 2016, the oldest of three brothers. Life took a difficult turn when his father became ill. Despite every effort, the family could not afford the medical care he needed, and… Read More →

Sometimes it’s easy to think about our work in terms of programs, schedules, or budgets. But every once in a while, something happens that pulls us back to the heart of it all: real people, with real challenges and real breakthroughs. That’s where we met Daylin Priscila Alvarado Vargas. Daylin was coming to the Brillaguate… Read More →

– By Ashley Alvarez I was eight years old when my love for music first awakened. I wanted to learn guitar, and thanks to my school music teacher, Ms. Sara, I discovered the FUNDIT music program in El Tejar. I’m from Parramos, just a short distance away, and without much hesitation, I began a musical… Read More →

By Sara Morales From October 11th to 18th, we had the incredible opportunity to travel to North Carolina to participate in the LEAF Festival at Lake Eden. This trip was more than a performance—it was a week of cultural exchange, teaching, learning, and sharing music with people from around the world. We worked alongside fellow… Read More →

It’s that time of year when we, as Board members of Senderos, pause to reflect on what we’re most thankful for. When we look closely, we realize it always comes back to the people. The heart of our work in Guatemala is found in relationships. It’s people caring for one another, showing up for their… Read More →

What a remarkable year it has been! We’re celebrating so many milestones across our programs: • Six Brillaguate scholars graduated—a tremendous achievement and a testament to their hard work and determination.• Eighty-six students in El Tejar dove into the joy of music through the after-school program and more than 100 preschoolers experienced the gift of… Read More →

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… Read More →

Every year on October 1st, Guatemala celebrates Día del Niño—Children’s Day. It’s a joyful holiday dedicated to honoring the youngest members of society and recognizing the importance of protecting their rights, nurturing their growth, and celebrating their creativity. Across the country, schools, families, and communities come together to remind children how valued and cherished they… Read More →

As the year comes to a close, we celebrate the incredible achievements of the 2025 graduating class from the Brillaguate program. Brillaguate provides vital support to young students, helping them overcome financial and personal challenges to achieve their academic and professional dreams. Through dedicated teachers, program directors who serve as mentors and create a supportive community, and financial aid, these programs not only help students stay in school but also foster personal growth and strong friendships…. Read More →

Here’s a peek at who’s helping with Senderos’ work behind the scenes. At our annual retreat in July, the Board of Directors elected a new Treasurer. Al Davis (pictured on the far right) is a Senior Wealth Advisor with Focus Partners in Asheville. He started Davis Financial Planning, a tax and financial planning firm in 2010… Read More →