In 1997, educator and social worker Hanley Denning traveled to Guatemala to study Spanish and began volunteering with local communities. Two years later, on a trip to the systematically marginalized communities subsisting from Guatemala City landfill, Hanley was inspired to act after witnessing the harsh realities faced by families living in the area. Safe Passage was founded that same year.
From the beginning, Safe Passage grew through the dedication of Guatemalan teachers, social workers, families, and volunteers from around the world. These local leaders worked side by side with Hanley to recruit and maintain children in the program, build trust, and lay the foundation for a safe and supportive learning environment. Word of mouth spread quickly, connecting more families and supporters who shared a belief in education’s power to transform lives.
The mothers of our first students were especially instrumental. They challenged the Safe Passage team to stay accountable to their children’s success and became active participants in shaping the program. Their involvement even led to the creation of Creamos, a sister organization, that continues to build the power and skills of parents and guardians through adult education, mental health, entrepreneurial development and vocational training.
What began as a small tutoring program for 46 children has grown into a holistic, community-led organization partnering with hundreds of students and families each year towards significant community impact.
Since its founding, Safe Passage has continued to evolve in response to the needs of the community it serves, guided by empathy, collaboration, and a shared belief in education’s power to create change.
1999 – Safe Passage founded.
2000 – 2001 – Safe Passage becomes an official 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
2004 – Educational Reinforcement Center building (now our Primary School) opens to provide after school enrichment, including a tutoring and mentoring program.
2006 – Family Nurturing, Adult Education and expanded Family Support are added to address the needs of families.
2009 – Health Clinic is expanded with partner, Shared Beat.
2012 – The Board of Directors approves the transition from a half-day reinforcement to a full-day school of our own. The Colegio Experimental Hanley Denning is certified by the Guatemalan Ministry of Education.
2013 – The first group of first-grade students begin their journey. Next Step Program (Proximo Paso) is created to assist high school graduates transition to internships, jobs, and opportunities for continued education.
2015 – The Expeditionary Learning culture and curriculum were formally selected as the guiding pedagogy for our primary and middle schools.
2018 – The Primary School reaches full enrollment with the addition of 6th grade. A Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) pilot program is successfully implemented in all primary grades.
2019 – Ground breaks for the McAdams Learning Garden.
2020-2021 – 8th and 9th grade classes are added to our Middle School, which is the culmination of our vision to provide students with a full day education until high school. The pandemic also required the implementation of our innovative remote and hybrid school options.
2023 – Ground breaks for the Básico Building.
2025 – Move to a co-shared Executive Director structure, with Pablo Callejas as Associate Director of Camino Seguro moving Safe Passage into being a Guatemalan-led organization.
Guided by the belief that quality education and holistic wraparound support can break the cycle of poverty, Safe Passage continues to create lasting change for children, families, and Guatemala.
