Safe Passage | Camino Seguro

"My longtime involvement with Safe Passage gives me a sense of the organization's historical compassion and its passion for service to the people of the Guatemala City dump community. I also understand what needs to occur as we move forward."

Richard Schmaltz was appointed in late December, 2010, as the Executive Director of Safe Passage. He began with us in Guatemala on January 5, 2011. Richard comes to Safe Passage from Ontario, Canada, where he has gained impressive professional experience in the leadership and management of elementary, middle and secondary schools. As a school administrator, he has demonstrated success in moving institutions forward, often in the face of significant challenges.

Richard is a long-time friend of Safe Passage, as he and his wife Susan worked closely with Safe Passage's late founder, Hanley Denning, and have played a major role as advisors to the Early Childhood Education Program.  The couple developed a holistic, nurturing educational curriculum that Safe Passage has been implemented in our Guarderia classrooms for years.  Since introducing this model at Safe Passage, Richard has continued to help with its operation:  expertly consulting with our administrators, providing ongoing teacher training, donating supplies, building furniture, and raising funds to ensure the longevity of the program.

“Education has been the major focus of my life. So, I not only feel education is a right, but I believe it’s a necessity for a better world. Along with education being a right, it also demands responsibility on the part of the individuals accessing that right. Quality education can make all the difference in a person’s life.”

     “I am looking forward to building relationships, especially with the parents. The parents have a lot to offer, especially in terms of advising the program on how to better serve the needs of their children and their families.”