Despite its captivating culture and mountainous landscape, Guatemala remains among the poorest and most war-torn nations in Central America. The country has been devastated by organized crime and corruption with most of the population forced to live on less than $2 a day.

Mayans make up half of the population, living in isolated villages and avoiding outsiders due to the exploitation and abuse they have suffered. They struggle with illiteracy, child mortality and malnutrition. However, they are learning to trust the staff at the VisionTrust Learning Centers.

The Learning Centers provide textbooks and free after-school tutoring for children in nursery through sixth grade. Children also receive regular health checkups, food and hear about the love of Christ.

Simple school supplies change lives

What event changed the direction of your life? For Alex, it was as simple as the moment he used a ruler for the first time.

Alex’s father is an abusive alcoholic that takes out the majority of his frustration on his wife. In search of refuge and goodness for her children she began bringing Alex and his sister to our Learning Center. At seven-years-old Alex was not attending school. One day in our program a teacher passed out blank pieces of paper, markers, crayons, and rulers for the students to draw. Alex grabbed his ruler, turned to the teacher and asked what this “thing” was and how he was supposed to use it.

From that point on Alex has used a ruler to work on every single one of his drawings, lovingly perfecting the smallest details. He is now in second grade and dreams of going to college to become an architect. His mom is determined to help him achieve this goal, even amidst issues with his father. Together, Alex, his mother and sister, know that no matter what the situation God will continue to work in their lives individually as well as a family.

As Alex has shown us, sometimes it’s the smallest things in life that make the biggest impact. What you have to offer is never too small to make a difference. Join us in influencing the lives of children like Alex one inch at a time.

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