Safe Passage

“Line 11a explanation - the 990 tax return is reviewed by management and the treasurer of the organization. The return is provided to the board of directors for comment and review.”

“There is an annual form to fill out for employees.”

“The process for arriving at a compensation level for the executive director involved a survey of the salaries of executive directors at similar projects in guatemala that was done by another organization in guatemala. His performance and compensation are reviewed annually by the board of directors. The salary and annual increases were set in the letter of appointment.”

“Governing documents, conflict of interest policies and financial statements are available on the internet as well as upon request.”

“Added 8th grade to our school”

“Due to covid, the government closed all schools in late march 2019. At that time, we moved to supporting our students & family in any way we could, which included weekly food handouts and remote schooling”

“Our vision: safe passage will be a model for how lives can be transformed through an education focused on empowering students to develop the skills necessary to alter the trajectory of their lives towards one of personal and family prosperity and service. Since 1999, when hanley denning first began convincing parents working in the dump to enroll their children in local schools and offered support for the half-day that students were not in school, safe passage has evolved into a comprehensive educational organization serving 560 young people from age 4 through age 20 (including full day program, half day high school and voational training). The youngest learners attend an expeditionary learning (el) modelled preschool focused on "learning through play and then move into a full-day, accredited primary school that also employs el, and will finalize at 9th grade beginning in 2021. Starting in 2015, the guiding methodology for the full day program (preschool, primary and middle school) has been expeditionary learning, a hands-on, experiential approach to learning with a distinguished track record in poor u.s. Communities. Expeditionary learning moves students beyond the classroom to work together in undertaking projects in "expeditions" that involve investigating issues in their community in ways that weave together science, social studies, reading, math, technology and the arts. Expeditions can be from several weeks to a full semester of real-world, in-depth study that promotes critical thinking, literacy, and character development. Students present their work to others as part of a rigorous assessment process and lead regular conferences with their parents. Our model consists of active and engaging small group instruction for all students. In addition to promoting active, hands-on engagement around guiding questions, expeditionary learning promotes a school culture rooted in kindness, respect, responsibility, a sense of adventure, an ethic of service, and desire for excellence. "crew" advisory meetings support and hold each other accountable. Student crews are lead consistently by the same adult for 3-4 years, providing much-needed stability and support for what often becomes a "second family". By 2021, safe passage will have a full 3-year bsico (middle school) program, having added up to 8th grade in 2020. However, we currently support older students, starting in (junior high) through diversificado (high school) while they continue to attend local schools that operate half-day programs and participate in "oportunidades" an "educational reinforcement" initiative. This program supports students through tutoring and remedial in-depth instruction in computer technology and english, and provides reinforcement through social work, psychology and nutrition. In addition, it provides an opportunity for students to develop connections with local businesses, offers vocational traingin and puts them on the road to finding a job. The prximo paso (next step) program gives further support to prepare students for the workplace or university study. As part of an integrated, holistic approach to education and poverty reduction, safe passage also recognizes that factors beyond the classroom have a major impact on student success. A team of psychologists and social workers helps students across all divisions and sections of the school with learning difficulties, psychological issues, or family problems. A health clinic and health education program provides services to students and families. The family nurturing program trains parents to discipline without violence and build positive family relationships. Creamos, a women's entrepreneurial program, provides opportunities for mothers to earn income and hosts a domestic violence support group as well as other wellness and health programs. Within creamos, an adult education program allows parents or returning students to complete primary or secondary school. Program participation: currently the educat”