At Infinite Chance, we’ve always believed in the power of education to change lives, especially for the vulnerable children and youth we serve in Guatemala. Over the years, our supporters have been instrumental in helping us launch various initiatives, and today, we’re thrilled to provide an exciting update on one of our most ambitious projects yet: the construction of a trade school in Guatemala.
A Collaborative Effort
First and foremost, it’s important to recognize that this project has been a true collaborative effort. We’ve been fortunate to work alongside several organizations, families, and individuals that share our vision for empowering at-risk youth through education. Hogar’s Helping Hands, Work Play Love, The Kern Family, Shepherd of the Hills, CASITA, and Tree for Hope have all played pivotal roles in moving this project forward. Their support, combined with the dedication of the Hogar Miguel Magone team, has brought this trade school closer to becoming a reality.
Our Focus: Planning for Success
While the construction of the trade school has been underway, Infinite Chance’s primary focus has been on laying the groundwork for the programs that will be offered once the school opens. While the aforementioned organizations have spearheaded the construction efforts, our role has been focused on the sustainability of the center by piloting programs and preparing for the day it opens. Our commitment to thoughtful planning means that when the school opens its doors, it will be ready to provide students with high-quality, impactful vocational training.
Project Status Update
To date, about $150,000 has been invested in the construction of the trade school, and we’re thrilled with the progress. However, we still need an additional $75,000 to complete this construction phase of the project. Once the construction is finished, equipping the center will be our next major focus. Most of the equipment needed for welding, industrial sewing, and the computer lab has been secured—thanks to generous support from our partners.
For other trades, such as HVAC maintenance, baking/culinary arts, and CNC machinery operation and maintenance, we are actively seeking support from major companies in these fields. We estimate that we’ll need an additional $150,000 to fully equip all the workshops.
However, we’re not waiting to get started. As soon as the equipment is in place for any trade, we will begin offering courses in that area while we continue gathering resources for the remaining workshops.
The artistic rendering provided offers a glimpse into the original vision for the trade school, capturing the essence of its concept and layout. However, as construction progressed, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, several cost-saving measures were implemented. As a result, while the core design and functionality remain intact, there may be slight variations between these renderings and the actual construction photos you’ll see both in this post and upon the project's completion.
A Promise to Keep You Informed
We’ll be the first to admit that we haven’t done the best job of keeping everyone updated on the advancements of this project. But that changes today. Moving forward, we’re committed to regularly sharing our progress, challenges, and successes with you. Your support is invaluable, and you deserve to be kept in the loop every step of the way.
Why This Trade School Matters
In Guatemala, where inequality is stark and poverty affects a significant portion of the population, vocational training is a beacon of hope. Despite a low overall unemployment rate of 2.7%, the majority of Guatemalans work in informal, low-wage jobs without benefits. The country's average monthly income is significantly below the minimum wage, trapping many in cycles of poverty due to inadequate education and limited job opportunities.
Our trade school project is designed to bridge the gap between poverty and opportunity. Currently, students in the community we serve must travel up to two hours by bus to reach the nearest trade school. By establishing our own trade school, we will bring vocational training directly to those who need it most, making education more accessible and eliminating the long commute—and related expenses—that hinder many from pursuing their goals.
Once completed, our trade school will partner with INTECAP, Guatemala's largest and most esteemed trade school. INTECAP will provide experienced teachers, curriculum, and recognized certifications, ensuring that our students receive top-notch training and credentials valued by employers. Our initial plans for vocational programs include welding, industrial sewing, call center training, baking/culinary arts, English language skills, computer courses, motorcycle maintenance and repair, HVAC maintenance and repair, electricity, and CNC machinery operation and maintenance.
In addition to vocational training, the school will serve as a hub for broader educational enrichment. We plan to offer life skills workshops on topics such as financial planning, interview techniques, family planning, and various extracurricular activities. This comprehensive approach not only prepares students for their careers but also supports their overall personal development and success.
How You Can Help
Our trade school is more than just an educational facility; it’s a transformative project that will provide invaluable skills, improve job prospects, and empower a new generation of Guatemalan youth to break the cycle of poverty. While we’re making incredible strides, there’s still much work to be done—especially in equipping the workshops for the various trades we’ll offer.
We’re currently seeking partnerships with major companies in the fields trades we are hoping to offer. If you have connections to organizations that might be interested in supporting this project, we’d love to hear from you. We’re happy to provide any tools or materials needed to approach potential donors, and your help could make a significant difference in the lives of countless young people.
Thank you for your continued support and for believing in the power of education to transform lives. Together, we are building futures in Guatemala.
