Guatemala is a nation without free education.  The Guatemala Friendship School Foundation is a Redmond-based nonprofit organization that provides free education to native Mayan students in Guatemala.

As a foundation, we create cross-cultural friendships through education, connecting Redmond and Guatemalan students.  Students broaden their world-view and gain cultural understanding. We believe that education is the key to improving socioeconomic conditions for families, communities and future generations. Through the gift of education, we break the cycle of poverty, one child at a time.

This project began with a dream shared by the staff, students, and families of Emily Dickinson Elementary and Explorer Community School in Redmond, WA, USA.  In the spring of 2007, the dream grew to include Rosa Parks Elementary, which is now our home school.

Our generous community of Rosa Parks is the backbone of support for the Guatemala Friendship School. Each year, Rosa Parks students participate in ‘Friendship Week’ which includes activities that connect them to their Guatemalan friends while raising money for the project.

Together we have now educated over 200 students since 1998, making a difference in the lives of so many students, parents, and families both in Guatemala, and the Rosa Parks community.

For more information, please read the latest Community Letter and visit www.gfsf.org7