School the World

This Father’s Day, we’re celebrating the determination of fathers like Francisco.

Over five years in Guatemala and Honduras, 1,693 students have enrolled in our Second Chance Program, proving that when people are met where they are and given flexibility, they show up.

At 31, Francisco had already led his community and built a life, but he could not read the documents he managed. Today, he is learning to read and write for the first time while gaining computer skills, building a stronger future for himself and his family.

“I feel very happy,” he says. “It gives me more desire to continue studying.”

Basketball isn’t just a sport in the Philippines, it’s a way of life. And right now, the energy is electric.

For the first time in NBA history, a Filipino-American player is guaranteed to win an NBA championship. With stars like Jordan Clarkson and Dylan Harper representing Filipino heritage on the global stage, it’s a win-win moment, and we’re seeing that excitement firsthand in the communities we serve.

Our students can’t get enough of the mini basketball courts, playing, cheering, and celebrating every moment. The passion is everywhere.

One thing is certain, when the final buzzer sounds, the Philippines will be celebrating an NBA Champion of its own! 🇵🇭🏀🏆

: This April, our Cohasset Student Service Learning participants traveled to Los Reyes, Guatemala to build a school and playground alongside the community.

Today, that effort has transformed their daily life. The community of Los Reyes is overjoyed to see their children playing and studying in a suitable environment. Our students are just as thrilled to learn in the new classrooms built for them, and have fun with their classmates during recess.

The community of Los Reyes misses our Student Service Learning travelers, but wish them the best back in the U.S.. The community continues to share their gratitude for our students' contributions to bettering their childrens future.

Today on , we celebrate a simple truth: every child loves to learn, wants to learn, and deserves the opportunity to do so.

At School the World, we bring this belief to life by creating vibrant, child-friendly spaces where learning and play go hand in hand. Our playgrounds are not just places to have fun. They are where children build confidence, develop social and emotional skills, and discover a love of learning from the very start.

Across rural Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, and the Philippines, we have built more than 120 playgrounds and 207 schools, transforming under-resourced communities into places where children are excited to show up each day.

Play is woven into everything we do. From early childhood programs that support parents as first educators, to tutoring and teacher training that use interactive, play-based learning, we are creating classrooms filled with curiosity, joy, and opportunity.

: this graduation season, we’re looking back to 2016 and our very first cohort of graduates.

Our CEO and Founder Kate had the privilege of knowing these students from kindergarten through 6th grade, and stayed in touch with them even after they graduated. Over the years, she’s watched them continue their journeys, with many completing lower secondary school and moving on to work or continue on to high school.

Earlier last month, our Early Childhood Development Regional Program Manager, Rut Bran, traveled to Kigali, Rwanda to represent School the World at a global forum on early childhood financing hosted by ECDAN.

With limited Latin American representation, Rut shared insights from Guatemala and across the region, bringing global attention to the communities we serve.

Her key takeaway? From Rwanda to Guatemala, the challenges and solutions look strikingly similar, and we are on the right path.

We’re proud of Rut for representing our work on a global stage. 🌍

Read more on our blog: https://schooltheworld.org/blogs/what-happens-when-rural-guatemala-takes-the-global-stage-in-rwanda/

: Hear from Cherry, a teacher at New Cuyo Elementary School in the Philippines. Before the playground was built, her students had no dedicated space to play, so they made do by running around together. Today, that’s changed, and the impact has been meaningful for both her and her students.

"Through playing, they learn how to socialize with others, wait for their turn, make decisions, and explore...This playground is very valuable to me and to my students. Thank you so much to School the World for choosing our school to receive this playground."

Every child deserves a place to learn, grow, and play.

: There's nothing brighter than a classroom full of focus, friendship, and big dreams in the making. These three are all smiles as they learn, grow, and support each other every step of the way. 📚 Have a great weekend!

Many parents are introduced to School the World through their children, but for Mike Tassinari it’s the other way around.

A board member, volunteer chaperone, and longtime supporter, Mike has been part of the School the World community since its early days. After first getting involved through family and attending some of our earliest fundraisers with his wife, Julia, he stayed connected—deepening his commitment as he watched the organization grow.

Though his kids aren’t quite old enough to travel yet, they already know the stories. From building a playground in Guatemala where he watched students celebrate and play on dedication day, to visiting partner communities in Panama, Mike has seen firsthand how education creates opportunity far beyond the classroom.

Now, he’s passing those experiences on at home, hoping his children will one day step into the same communities he’s helped support.

This , we’re proud to celebrate Mike’s leadership, dedication, and the lasting impact he continues to make.