Esperanza - At a Glance

What is Esperanza?
- Esperanza (inc.) is an independent, non-governmental organisation. Founded in Germany in 1992, its goal is to support developing countries, particularly Guatemala, through school constructions.
- Since all members of Esperanza are volunteers, donations go one hundred percent towards project work. Administrative expenses are covered by membership fees.
- From 1992 to 2007, Esperanza has completed 34 school projects (both new constructions and extensions) the total value of which is more than €760.000.
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Further data (1992-2007):
Membership: 140
Amount of donations: approximately € 560,000
Grants (e.g. European Union):  approximately € 242,000
Membership fees: approximately € 21,000
Administrative expenses: approximately € 16,000
Net profits from campaigns: approximately € 29,000


Project mission

- Every year we offer interested and committed people the opportunity to work for several weeks at one of our school projects on site. Financing is met by the participants themselves.


What do we wish to achieve?

- By sending volunteer workers to school projects we wish to promote mutual understanding and encourage intercultural exchange.
- We wish to increase understanding and sensibility about economic development of less developed countries in a global context.
- We give the opportunity to experience peace-corps type work through projects in developing countries.


Why school projects in Guatemala?

- Guatemala is one of the poorest countries in Central America with a GDP of US$1,690 per capita (in comparison Germany’s of US$26,570) and with a illiteracy rate of more than 36 percent.
- Esperanza works in regions where the indigenous population -the descendents of the Mayas- is predominant. These are less favoured in Guatemala politically, economically, and socially.
- We believe that one major reason for their poverty and exclusion from political decisions is this high illiteracy rate.
- By financing educational projects we wish to promote the indigenous population’s active participation in the development of their country.


Our work in Guatemala

- Esperanza finances a school project only if the indigenous population of that village is willing to work in close cooperation with us and to contribute actively to the project.
- For many years Esperanza has worked together with experienced local bricklayers and with Guatemalan architect Luis Alberto Palacios who oversees the planning and completion of the school projects.
- Both during the project and after completion of the school, Esperanza stays in close contact with the beneficiaries.

Generously hosted by Hess & Partner Mediendesign.