Classroom Partnership FAQs
The Program
Safe Passage is a center that provides educational reinforcement, vocational training programs, and assistance with the school expenses required by the local public schools.
We have classrooms which correspond to specific school grades, each with local Guatemalan teachers. The teachers act as mentors as they engage the children in their studies through fun, creative, learning activities. Many of the children are the first in their families to attend school. Therefore the teacher’s role in motivating the students so they become active participants in their education is extremely important. The primary focus in our classrooms is to provide assistance with homework and to reinforce educational concepts through hands-on learning activities. In addition, it is to provide the children with the caring and attention they so desperately need.
What training do the teachers receive?
Teachers at Safe Passage receive training from one of our staff in areas such as child behavior, implementation of lessons, work plans, and classroom management. Once a week, we have a special workshop which is attended by all teachers and long-term volunteers to introduce different teaching practices or activities that can then be used in the classroom. It is important to us to continually provide our teachers with workshops and teaching tools to hone and improve their skills. We seek teachers that have a genuine commitment to working with at-risk youth.
What is a typical day like in a classroom at Safe Passage?
The morning session begins at 8:30 am and goes until 11:30 am, followed by a half-hour lunch period. The afternoon session is from 1:30-4:30 pm. In Guatemala, public schools only run half of the day, so the children go to their public school in the morning or afternoon and attend Safe Passage for the remainder of the day. Each classroom has 20-35 kids.
The typical class consists of a reinforcement lesson (math, writing, science, etc), fun exercise (dancing, singing, etc), homework assistance, craft or special activity, and outdoor exercise time. It is a long and active day!
Sponsoring a Classroom
What does it mean to sponsor a classroom?
Your support as a classroom sponsor enables us to provide the students with the materials needed for their educational reinforcement and special activities, as well as providing our teachers with ongoing training and skill development. Most importantly, your participation as a classroom sponsor will provide the students with the stability, support, and encouragement they need as they pursue their education.
Can a classroom have more than one sponsor?
Yes, classrooms can have multiple sponsors. One classroom services many children and at least one teacher. Having more than one sponsor can only make their experience and education richer.
Do my contributions go directly and exclusively to my sponsored classroom?
No. We do not have the administrative support to manage the 20-30 accounts this would require. We have therefore adopted the “soup pot” concept. All contributions received from sponsors go into the soup pot and from there we take out what is needed to pay classroom materials and supplies and skill development workshops and trainings.
How long is my commitment as a Classroom Sponsor?
The minimum commitment for a sponsor is one year, although it is our hope that your contribution and connection between you and your classroom will continue for years to come.
Correspondence with your Classroom
How often can I write to my classroom?
As often as you would like! We do require that you correspond with your classroom three times per year. This will allow you to offer motivation, encouragement, and the opportunity to develop a connection to the students you will be supporting.
Where should I send my letters?
You can send quick “hellos” and brief messages to our email account at: sponsorship@safepassage.org.
You may also send letters and cards to:
Proyecto Camino Seguro
Att: Classroom’s name
Calle del Hermano Pedro #4
Antigua, Guatemala
You can also send letters to our Maine address which we will then forward to Guatemala:
Safe Passage
PO Box 663
Yarmouth, ME
04096
What should I write about?
You will receive a background profile of your classroom. We encourage you to refer to it when writing about yourself or when asking questions about the students. Some ideas for questions you can ask the students are: describe Guatemala, what their classrooms are like in public school - draw upon the differences and similarities, what are your favorite activities or games that you play in your classroom, etc. Also, your classroom is very interested in knowing about you. What is life like where you live? Do you have children? Do you have pets? What is your occupation? In addition, the students love to receive photos of you and your family and friends, etc. This is a great opportunity for them to learn about a new culture too!
What should I avoid writing about?
We recommend you avoid issues that you yourself do not wish to discuss, i.e. a health issue, or emphasizing expensive luxury items that might make your teacher and classroom resentful of an economic class or culture difference. Please do not directly suggest to your sponsored classroom that they should all come visit you; this would require a great deal of coordination and needs to come through our main office. Also, if you are planning to visit the program in Guatemala please refrain from telling your classroom until you have an actual ticket and your trip is 100% confirmed.
How long should my letters be?
Since we rely on volunteers to translate your letters, please try to keep them to one page. This is also an ideal length for the teacher of your classroom to read during class time.
Will my classroom write to me?
Yes. The students will write quarterly updates informing you about exciting achievements within their classroom, subjects they are studying, students noted for special recognition, etc.
Can I send gifts and packages?
Nothing larger than a 9" x 12" flat envelope at this time. We prefer to have our partners primarily be sources of encouragement as opposed to supplying material goods. Feel free to include photos, cards and stickers to reward students.
Are there special items that I could help fund for my classroom?
There are times when our classrooms are in need of additional supplies. If you are interested in giving a donation to have something special bought for your classroom, please email sponsorship@safepassage.org and we will determine if your classroom has special needs.
We appreciate your support very much! Please do not hesitate to contact the sponsorship office with any additional questions you may have. You can make a difference in many children’s lives through your support and correspondence as a Classroom Sponsor.
