Our Impact

Transforming lives. Strengthening communities. Breaking cycles of poverty.

At Safe Passage, we believe that education — paired with holistic support — transforms not just individual lives, but entire communities. For over 25 years, our model has proven what is possible when young learners, families, educators, and partners invest together in a future that defies the odds.

Poverty affects 75% of Indigenous and 36% of non-indigenous people, while chronic malnutrition affects 58% of Indigenous and 38% of non-indigenous people in Guatemala
Many families served through Safe Passage identify as indigenous and have migrated from rural areas to Guatemala City for work opportunities.
There aren’t enough formal job opportunities to match labor market supply in Guatemala. Its economy is only creating 20,000 jobs for 200,000 people who are entering the labor market each year. Furthermore, Guatemala has the youngest population in Latin America which has struggled to obtain sufficient education, training, and job opportunities.
Around 75% of Safe Passage’s families rely on work within the Guatemalan Municipal Landfill. On average, individuals working within the landfill make $1.50 – $3.00 p/day

Nationally, only 41% of youth in Guatemala will reach High School, and in the area Safe Passage works less than 1% will make it to the University.
Year over year, Guatemalan youth have the highest number of unaccompanied minors migrating to the US, with 208,791 youth having migrated just since 2021. Factors to migrate stem from exposure to extortion and violence, lack of opportunities, and poverty.
In Guatemala, an estimated 1 in 5 children experience mental health challenges, yet fewer than 20% receive any form of care. Nationally, less than 1% of the health budget is allocated to mental health, with only two mental health professionals available for every 100,000 people.