OUR MISSION
Our Mission: The mission of Siqajan School is to provide a high-quality learning environment where the children of Santa Cruz can grow and thrive. Our community-based primary school prioritizes parental involvement, teaching excellence and an engaging curriculum to develop critical thinking.
OUR VISION
Our Vision: We envision a future for Santa Cruz in which children are confident in themselves and are motivated to improve their community; where families value education; and where both girls and boys are inspired to learn and grow to live happy, productive, and fulfilled lives.
Why Siqajan?
The Critical Need for Quality Education
Just one generation ago, the children of Santa Cruz –especially girls– typically attended school for only 2-3 years, if at all. Over 26 years, Amigos’ efforts led to improved attendance and graduation rates, and encouraged families to value education like never before. Despite these advances, public education in Santa Cruz is failing the community. Students graduate still without basic math, reading or critical thinking skills.
A Community Seeking Change
A recent survey revealed widespread dissatisfaction with the public school system, with parents actively seeking better options. This growing demand reflects a shift in attitudes, as families increasingly recognize education’s transformative power and economic benefits. Yet before Siqajan School, there was no local alternative to the public school.
Local families now value education as never before
For parents like Florinda, Siqaján is more than a school—it is an opportunity that she never had. Though she herself is illiterate, her daughter Estela, a first-grade student, is now taking her first steps toward literacy. “I tell my daughter to value this opportunity. I want a better future for her.”
OUR MISSION
Our Mission: The mission of Siqajan School is to provide a high-quality learning environment where the children of Santa Cruz can grow and thrive. Our community-based primary school prioritizes parental involvement, teaching excellence and an engaging curriculum to develop critical thinking.
OUR VISION
Why Siqajan?
The Critical Need for Quality Education
Just one generation ago, the children of Santa Cruz –especially girls– typically attended school for only 2-3 years, if at all. Over 26 years, Amigos’ efforts led to improved attendance and graduation rates, and encouraged families to value education like never before. Despite these advances, public education in Santa Cruz is failing the community. Students graduate still without basic math, reading or critical thinking skills.
A Community Seeking Change
A recent survey revealed widespread dissatisfaction with the public school system, with parents actively seeking better options. This growing demand reflects a shift in attitudes, as families increasingly recognize education’s transformative power and economic benefits. Yet before Siqajan School, there was no local alternative to the public school.
Local families now value education as never before
For parents like Florinda, Siqaján is more than a school—it is an opportunity that she never had. Though she herself is illiterate, her daughter Estela, a first-grade student, is now taking her first steps toward literacy. “I tell my daughter to value this opportunity. I want a better future for her.”
Why is Amigos leading this project?
Our Legacy of Transforming Education
Since 1998 we have made education the cornerstone of our mission. What began with delivering books and supplies to public schools evolved into comprehensive programs that have transformed educational opportunities in the communities of Santa Cruz. We have improved public school infrastructure, strengthened literacy, quadrupled public school participation, and awarded scholarships that produced the first university graduates in the community —many of whom are now leaders in our organization.
Why is Amigos leading this project?
Our Legacy of Transforming Education
Since 1998 we have made education the cornerstone of our mission. What began with delivering books and supplies to public schools evolved into comprehensive programs that have transformed educational opportunities in the communities of Santa Cruz. We have improved public school infrastructure, strengthened literacy, quadrupled public school participation, and awarded scholarships that produced the first university graduates in the community —many of whom are now leaders in our organization.
What makes Siqajan School different?
We are redefining education in Santa Cruz with an innovative approach. Through play-based multilingual learning, rigorous teacher training, and active parental involvement, we are building a school that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of Santa Cruz families.
TEACHER TRAINING
Teacher Training: Ongoing professional development equips educators to deliver a high-quality curriculum.
CULTURAL AND LINGUISTIC PRIDE
Cultural and Linguistic Pride: Classes are held in Kaq’chikel, English, and Spanish to promote multilingualism and cultural diversity.
A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO LEARNING
A Holistic Approach to Learning: Going well beyond the traditional methods of rote memorization, our approach fosters critical thinking, curiosity, creativity and confidence.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
Parental Involvement: Parents play an active role as volunteers and learning partners, strengthening student success.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Community-Driven Excellence: Local leaders and global education experts collaborate to shape a strong, future-ready school.
What makes Siqajan School different?
We are redefining education in Santa Cruz with an innovative approach. Through play-based multilingual learning, rigorous teacher training, and active parental involvement, we are building a school that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of Santa Cruz families.
TEACHER TRAINING
Teacher Training: Ongoing professional development equips educators to deliver a high-quality curriculum.
CULTURAL AND LINGUISTIC PRIDE
A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO LEARNING
A Holistic Approach to Learning: Going well beyond the traditional methods of rote memorization, our approach fosters critical thinking, curiosity, creativity and confidence.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
From Vision to Reality
Progress on the Ground
What began as a shared dream is now taking shape. Today, our students are learning in a beautifully renovated space in the town center. While it offers a strong start, it’s not large enough to accommodate all six grades. To meet future needs, we’ve secured land for a new building and are now focused on raising funds for its construction.
Take a look in the slide show below how far we’ve come—from our first classrooms to the newly purchased land and building rendering—and see what’s next on the project timeline.
Where Dreams Begin: Our Current Home
Siqajan School –View of the classrooms in our renovated school building.
Where Dreams Begin: Our Current Home
Siqajan School –View of the play area and common room in our renovated school building
Where Dreams Begin: Our Current Home
Siqajan School nestled in the hills—lush green mountains surround the site.
Where Dreams Begin: Our Current Home
A view from above capturing Siqajan School with Lake Atitlán in the distance.
Land with a Vision: Our Additional School Site
Side view of the purchased land where the additional building of Colegio Siqajan will be constructed.
Land with a Vision: Our Additional School Site
Front view of the purchased land where the additional building of Colegio Siqajan will be constructed.
Land with a Vision: Our Additional School Site
Rendering for the additional building of Siqajan School.
Siqajan’s Timeline
- Purchase land for school building
- Hire school staff
- Develop curriculum
- Obtain authorization from the Ministry of Education
- Graduation of our first cohort of students
- 3rd grade class opens in permanent space
- Permanent school construction
- Hire additional teachers
- Architectural rendering of school building
- Break ground for construction
Hover over the icons to view detailed timeline information.
From Vision to Reality
Progress on the Ground
What began as a shared dream is now taking shape. Today, our students are learning in a beautifully renovated space in the town center. While it offers a strong start, it’s not large enough to accommodate all six grades. To meet future needs, we’ve secured land for a new building and are now focused on raising funds for its construction.
Take a look in the slide show below how far we’ve come—from our first classrooms to the newly purchased land and building rendering—and see what’s next on the project timeline.
Where Dreams Begin: Our Current Home
Siqajan School –View of the classrooms in our renovated school building.
Where Dreams Begin: Our Current Home
Siqajan School –View of the play area and common room in our renovated school building
Where Dreams Begin: Our Current Home
Siqajan School nestled in the hills—lush green mountains surround the site.
Where Dreams Begin: Our Current Home
A view from above capturing Siqajan School with Lake Atitlán in the distance.
Land with a Vision: Our Additional School Site
Side view of the purchased land where the additional building of Colegio Siqajan will be constructed.
Land with a Vision: Our Additional School Site
Front view of the purchased land where the additional building of Colegio Siqajan will be constructed.
Land with a Vision: Our Additional School Site
Rendering for the additional building of Siqajan School.
Siqajan’s Timeline
- Land purchase
- Hire school staff
- Develop curriculum
- Secure Ministry authorization
- Graduation of our first cohort of students
- 3rd grade class opens in permanent space
- Permanent school construction
- Hire additional teachers
- Architectural rendering of school building
- Break ground for construction
Tap the icons to view detailed timeline information.
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