Once upon a time, (about three years ago), Pueblo a Pueblo joined together with the Chukmuk Elementary School to create a lending library. We had dreams of students writing and reading, and seeing their imaginations grow with the possibilities of what-could-be. 

Just like a fairy tale, our dreams came true. 

Over the past three years our staff, together with teachers, students, and parents in Chukmuk, dedicated a lot of time and effort to create a fully functioning school library. Through thirteen training sessions, and countless donations from supporters like you, the library was built, furnished, equipped with resources, and school personnel learned how to manage and prioritize literacy programs.

Now, the Chukmuk library boasts several projects, including internal book lending to students and teachers, and external book loans to families in the community. They host a wide range of literacy-boosting activities for students during daily recess, before and after school, and two weeks during the summer. They also stock nineteen mini-libraries in each classroom of the Chukmuk school! 

Carolina, a 3rd grade teacher, has noticed the library’s impact on students’ reading comprehension and their daily habits. Typical school mornings saw students “sitting down in class or bothering their classmates,” she told us. “But now when they arrive in the morning, they go directly to the mini-libraries and entertain themselves with books.”         

The library’s exciting and energizing influence expands beyond the classroom and impacts the entire community. One mother told Pueblo a Pueblo how her daughter brings home lessons and activities from the library. “It’s hard for me,” she told us, “but through my daughter I have learned new words, and if it weren’t for the books in the library I wouldn’t have learned so many new things.”

We’re proud of the Chukmuk Elementary School and are excited to see our two other partner schools, in La Cumbre and Chacaya, continue down a similar pathway to literacy. 

Today Pueblo a Pueblo excited to tell you that we promoted three loyal members of our staff to new leadership positions within the organization! Vilma, Misael, and Tomas have been with Pueblo a Pueblo for many years, inspiring us with their hard work and dedication to improving vulnerable communities. There is no doubt that they've helped our organization grow in the past and we look forward to their involvement in determining the future of Pueblo a Pueblo. Read more about them below!  

Vilma Mendoza, Maternal Child Health Program Manager

Quick with a smile, Vilma is a strong role model for the women of her community. Now, as the new manager of the Maternal Child Health and Family Planning Champions projects, she is taking on one of the most challenging positions in Pueblo a Pueblo. No stranger to the organization, Vilma previously worked as a project assistant and helped organize our Family Planning Champions pilot group. 

Although quiet in the office, Vilma is electrifying when she speaks to a crowd about issues she is passionate about, like domestic violence, family planning, and women's health. She turns taboo topics into comfortable conversations, easily switching between Tzutujil and Spanish. Her enthusiasm for supporting the women and families in her community shines through at every monthly project meeting and event, and we're happy to have her leading these programs.

Vilma's Message to Our Supporters:
"Thank you" are the words I want to say in an important message to those who generously support the families in my community and help our program to advance every day. May God continue to bless you.


Misael Ramirez Samuc, Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator

Misael was one of the first staff members hired in our Guatemalan office, and he has been part of Pueblo a Pueblo's evolution during the last few years. 

Misael is very thoughtful and when he speaks, people listen. His charisma, attentiveness to detail, and ability to read between the lines make him a natural leader. These skills will also be beneficial in his new role as he balances the thoughts and opinions of diverse stakeholders and developed the tools needed to gauge Pueblo a Pueblo's impact in Guatemala.

Misael's creativity has long been an asset to Pueblo a Pueblo. As he steps into the role of Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator, he is excited to use his creativity is to further develop a data collection system that uses smart phone devices, helping us to better understand and meet the needs of the families we work with and the surrounding communities. 

Misael's Message to Our Supporters:
Thank you for the help provided to our communities and the colorful futures that you give to many boys and girls, their teachers, fathers, and mothers. Every year a little more than 3,000 people have grown in their knowledge and have new skills and abilities that promote a safe and happy future for the communities where we work.


Tomas Pacay Mendoza, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Project Coordinator

Tomas is adaptable, intelligent, and has excelled at every position he has held with Pueblo a Pueblo. Tomas first joined the organization in 2013 as the assistant for our Pathways to Literacy project. He then became the assistant of our Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) project. Now, his ability to oversee the implementation and construction of WASH infrastructure, coupled with his talent for educating both teachers and students, will make him an excellent manager for the entire WASH project.

One fun fact about Tomas is that before working with Pueblo a Pueblo, he graduated from one of the best universities in Guatemala with a degree in education and educational administration. So, every day Tomas leaves the office at noon to go to his second job as a local high school principal. Tomas's dedication to improving the education and health of rural Guatemalans is contagious, and we share his excitement to see the smiling faces of students as they wash their hands.

Tomas's Message to Our Supporters:
All hands can help with the healthy development of rural communities in Guatemala. Clean hands, smiling faces!