“What I treasure most in life is being able to dream. During my most difficult moments and complex situations, I have been able to dream of a more beautiful future.”
- Rigoberta Menchu, Guatemalan Social Rights Activist -
The Symbolism of the CasaSito Mural
The CasaSito Mural demonstrates our philosophy. There are many opportunities and problems in life. For those who participate in the CasaSito program, we give them tools that they can use to "catch" their dream. After going through our program, they see difficulties as challenges and they see problems as opportunities to grow. CasaSito does not hold their hand to reach the summit, but with us, they climb by themselves.
The Numbers Guiding the Dream
Literacy
Only 15% of Guatemalan students reach the standard reading level in 9th grade
School Attendance
Percentage of Guatemalan kids attending
Primary school: 78%
Junior high: 43%
High school: 25%
Graduation Rates
Percentage of Guatemalan kids graduating
Primary school: 86%
Junior high: 68%
High school: 77%
Other Factors
Pregnancy rate as an educational limiting factor
2124 pregnancies were reported in 2021 for girls aged 10 - 14 years old
97,478 pregnancies were reported in 2021 for girls aged 15-19 years old (11% rate)
CasaSito Answering the Call
Founder Alice So Fong Lee had previously worked in Guatemala and fell in love with the people and culture. Alice and her husband Greg Schwendinger made the decision to make Guatemala their permanent residence. With passion, commitment, and knowledge they saw an opportunity to support educational projects in Guatemala.
Together they formed CasaSito Association. "Casa" (or home) because Alice and Greg wanted to create a place where everyone feels welcome. "Sito" was Alice’s nickname, as she is like the small and powerful Sito scooter engine.
Their goal for CasaSito was to establish a small, close-knit organization that could have a deep impact in the communities in which it works.
Now that CasaSito is an established nonprofit in Guatemala, help us continue the story.
Your contribution does great things for the Guatemalan community.
" CasaSito is an organization that gives us support to have a better future."
-Program Participant: Soul Coy
Our Values
Transparency and honesty
In the manner in which we manage our funds
A sense of self - improvement
Both within the staff and the youth. Self-evaluation and the desire to grow and improve, which means effort and constant work.
Respect
For the dignity of our scholars and their families
A sense of pertinence
We create an environment where all (participants, staff, volunteers, and donors) feel affection and that they are part of our mission.
Social consciousness
Being aware of reality and pose solutions
Solidarity and empathy
For our scholars and their families. We always take into account the well-being of our participants.
