Education for the Children
Founder Sophie McKee travelled from West Bridgford to Guatemala in 2002 to volunteer at a school she discovered was on the brink of collapse due to lack of funding. She began fundraising to ensure that the 75 students that were to be left without a school could continue their education. This was the start of the Education For The Children Foundation (EFTC).
Driven by a commitment to equal opportunities, the Education for the Children Foundation has worked with young people and families from the Jocotenango area in Guatemala since 2003 to access quality education, nutritious food, healthcare and social support. Through a highly individualised holistic approach they strive to empower young people with the skills and confidence to be successful in their chosen careers.
The charity set up The School of Hope (La Esperanza) in 2005, a school which currently teaches 463 students from Prepa at 4 years old through to 9th grade where they graduate ready for high-school or employment at around 14 years old.
Lady Bay School shares the charities vision that every child should have a right to education. Our aim is to help support The School of Hope through fundraising, whilst also giving children at both schools the opportunity to share their cultures, language and learning through virtual meetings, emails and letters.
More information about Education for the Children can be found on their website:
In July 2021, we raised over £1000 for the School for Hope through our 'Guatemala' day. Musicians from the Birmingham Conservatoire led a Marimba extravaganza for each year group. The children also had a wonderful time singing along to the Spanish guitar, played by Ricky Martinez from Mas Y Mas. Children also attended workshops led by charity workers from Education for the Children.