School Builds Break Ground in Guatemala

In summer 2019 we launched a special Convention campaign in honor of the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation's 50th Anniversary. We raised funds to construct two schools in Guatemala through the Circle of Sisterhood Foundation. This special project supports our philanthropic focus of school and college readiness while perfectly aligning with Phi Sigma Sigma’s twin ideas: the brotherhood of man and the alleviation of the world’s pain.

The construction of the two schools was originally slated to break ground in summer 2020, coinciding with two treks for Phi Sigma Sigma collegians and alumnae ambassadors. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic we had to delay the school build and trek, prioritizing the health, safety and wellbeing of our trek participants as well as the communities we would be serving in Guatemala.

Understanding the significant impact access to education would provide to these communities, it was important for the school build to break ground and move forward as soon as possible. We are pleased to share that this summer, the construction of both schools, funded by Phi Sigma Sigma broke ground.

Groundbreaking in Tojzunel, Guatemala

Building a school is truly a team effort that often begins weeks or even months before the new school breaks ground. The community members, local government and on-the-ground buildOn staff all play an important role in the school building process. Additionally, community leaders and buildOn staff members will be working together closely to increase the number of students, especially girls, enrolled in this school.

TOJZUNEL, GUATEMALA

Working out of of two temporary classrooms, made of wooden slats and metal sheets, the teachers and students of Caserío Tojzunel have struggled to create an environment which would nourish the naturally curious and motivated minds of Tojzunel’s youth. With the next nearest proper school a 6 km walk over mountainous terrain, the community members of Tojzunel were left with few options for their children. Thanks to your generous contribution, a proper school block and latrines were provided to the village of Ojo de Agua. Community leaders and buildOn staff members will also be working together closely to increase the number of students, especially girls, enrolled in this school.

OJO DE AGUA , GUATEMALA

Over the years, the community of Ojo de Agua has strived to improve learning conditions for its primary school students. While working to educate seven grade levels, this school only has three classrooms to operate out of, with two of them being temporary shelters. The next nearest proper school is a 4 km walk over mountainous terrain. Thanks to your generous contribution, the village of Ojo de Agua will be provided with a proper school block and latrines.