Safe Passage

Safe Passage offers innovative educational programs, holistic health services, and family support to children from families living in extreme poverty in the communities surrounding the largest landfill in Central America, located in Guatemala City. It is a U.S.-registered 501(c)(3) organization that provides financial, fundraising, and support services for the Guatemala-registered Camino Seguro non-profit association.OUR VISION: Our vision is to catalyze a positive, transformative, and lasting impact by educating and inspiring youth leaders to build an equitable, strong, and just society.OUR HISTORY: Beginning in 1999, U.S. educator and social worker, Hanley Denning started encouraging parents working in the Guatemala City Municipal landfill to enroll their children in local schools (which in Guatemala are half-day hours) and at a small center that would provide educational reinforcement, health, food, and nutrition services the other half of the day when not at school: this was the initial programming offered by Safe Passage. A preschool officially opened in 2007. By 2012, as the program evolved, the board of directors decided to become a full-day, pre-k through 9th-grade school, to be able to address the complex issues and needs of youth experiencing exposure to violence, rampant discrimination, and trauma. Safe Passage has since evolved into a comprehensive educational organization serving students from ages 3 through 20, including a half-day educational reinforcement and career planning program for high school students. 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 that has proven highly effective with high-risk children and youth. 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 incorporate science, social studies, reading, math, technology, and the arts. Expeditions can be from several weeks to a whole semester of real-world, in-depth study that promotes critical thinking, literacy, and character development. Students present their work to their peers, parents, and teachers as part of leadership building. Our model consists of active and engaging small-group instruction for all students. Expeditionary Learning also promotes a school culture of kindness, respect, responsibility, a sense of adventure, an ethic of service, and a desire for excellence. Student Crews are led consistently by the same adult for 3-4 years, providing stability and socio-emotional support for what often becomes a "second family". In 2024, we celebrated our first Doctor graduate, supported through a scholarship with our health partner Shared Beat. OUR CORE PROGRAMS:EARLY CHILDHOOD The early childhood program offers a unique curriculum for children aged 3-6, incorporating mindfulness and emotional health through play and discovery, while fostering self-esteem and laying the groundwork for educational foundations. El COLEGIO- The elementary school serves grades 1-6 based on Expeditionary Learning (EL). "Expeditions" are 6 to 12 weeks long, collaborative, interdisciplinary research projects that help students apply knowledge to real-world scenarios in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner. BASICO- Basico serves middle school students in grades 7-9. Curriculum takes the next step in EL, engaging students in in-depth projects that apply knowledge directly to relevant, real-world scenarios. Basico couples this curriculum with socio-emotional learning and presentation skills, empowering students to be strong agents of change in their own future. OPORTUNIDADES & PROXIMO PASO- Safe Passage continues to support 9th grade graduates as they attend external high schools and provides half-day supplemental education in computer, technology, and bilingual proficiency, along with internships, university, and career preparation. INTEGRATED HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES- Safe Passages cares for the well-being of students through its integrative health services, which include a nutrition program that provides four healthy meals and daily snacks, SRH education, socio-emotional and ethical learning throughout our programs, health education, an on-site clinic, social services, and a robust psychology department.PROGRAM PARTICIPATION: In 2024, our educational program supported an average of 530 students, ranging from preschool to high school. Safe Passage also provides various services to other family members (over 350 families).LOCATION: Program facilities are located on five sites in the community surrounding the municipal garbage dump, between zones 3 and 7, in Guatemala City. These sites include the early childhood education center and preschool, with a kitchen and athletic facilities (for students ages 3 to 6). The primary school and middle school (full-day grades 1 to 9, plus a library, kitchen, and playground). A converted house and warehouse that houses an on-site health clinic and administrative offices. "El Centro", located adjacent to the entrance of the dump, is home to the high school program, Oportunidades, as well as weekend and extracurricular programs. Safe Passage currently rents space to a partner organization, Creamos, which shares land with El Centro.. Safe Passage also has a small team of U.S.-based staff working in finance, fundraising, and communications, each of whom works remotely. STAFF: In 2024, 118 staff were employed by Camino Seguro and Safe Passage. The majority of staff are Guatemalan and lead and carry out the day-to-day operations of Camino Seguro. The U.S. office underwent restructuring in 2024 and transitioned to a more remote and nimble model. There are three positions in the U.S. and a part-time contracted agency that supports communications. We also receive national and international volunteers to support our mission in Guatemala. 2024 PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: BRIDGING THE LEARNING GAP - Throughout the 2024 school year, strategic investments and partnerships were vital in addressing learning gaps and accelerating student progress. We expanded access to high-impact tutoring, enhanced digital learning infrastructure, and implemented data-driven platforms tailored to individual student needs, such as Progrentis and Explorax. Teachers implemented targeted interventions, expanded tutoring programs, and increased access to digital tools. Emphasis was placed on foundational skills in literacy and math while also nurturing students' social-emotional well-being. These efforts were complemented by professional development for educators. As a result, through our educational model, we saw measurable gains in student achievement and engagement, setting a strong foundation for future success.OPORTUNIDADES & PRXIMO PASOS - In 2024, our Oportunidades program took decisive steps to expand and enhance our programs serving young people ages 14 to 21 through academic support, vocational guidance, leadership training, and career and job readiness. 19 Safe Passage affiliates were enrolled in university programs, and many others participated in hands-on learning focused on problem-solving, computational thinking, and English skills development. With new strategic partnerships and plans for additional coaching, services, and scholarships, we are supporting the dreams and pathways that our students are leading forth.INCREASED ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY: Safe Passage has continued to prioritize improving access to computers, technological curriculum, and international web-based educational programs. In 2024, we increased student access to technology from 1 computer for every 18 students in 2023 to 1 computer for every 2.5 students by the start of school in 2025. Increasing meaningful access to technology in each classroom gives our students powerful tools to prepare them academically and technologically for their futures. In a community where most families lack access to smartphones and almost none have computers at home, access to and training in technology are vital.