It is a bit difficult to tell you the exact date of our beginning, as we are also a part of the long history of poverty and exploitation in Guatemala. But we will try our best.
Our administrative coordinator, Marvin Boj, used to work as a Spanish language teacher in one of the large Spanish schools in Quetzaltenango. Similar to many other schools in the city, the teachers and host families who worked with the school were getting paid less than the amount the school advertised to their students. Money and time donated to the school by students often was used for the school owner's self interest. Marvin was sickened by the fact that this is the common practice, but he couldn't do anything at the time. After all, he needed a job to feed his family.
For one week during the summer of 2004, Marvin taught a student named Gen Takahashi, now our international coordinator. Neither of them thought the endeavor would be a life-changing experience, but in the end, it did change their lives forever. Gen couldn't forget his teachers and host families in Guatemala and kept in touch with his new friends long after he left "Xela."
A year later, he returned to Guatemala with the sole purpose of starting a better Spanish language school with his friends. They encountered an ex-reporter and long-time local community activist, Leticia Sacalxot (now our volunteer coordinator and Spanish instructor). Our visions clicked. We were set to go.
The beginning was not easy. Our pamphlets were shredded by other schools. Many teachers, host families and volunteer organizations were indifferent and/or skeptical. Some students left us on the first day because the school was small (and it WILL remain small!). But, working together, we began to meet people in and out of Guatemala who came together to support our grassroots movement.
We are a small organization and we will remain so because we feel that big doesn't mean better. By keeping ourselves small, we can offer more personalized experiences to our participants. That way, we can always welcome new students and volunteers recommended by satisfied ex-participants, thus generating a steady stream of jobs. The money that the participants spend in our program goes directly to our host families, instructors and volunteer organizations. They will trickle down to improve the lives of those near and dear, and more.
We know that it is a very slow process. But, step by step, we are growing every day. We are still young and inexperienced so if you can partner with us as we move forward, we would welcome this gift with open arms. In return, we will give you the absolute best of us to help you get reconnected with your authentic self and with a better world.
Much Love from Xela,
Marvin, Gen, Leticia,
Host Families, Instructors & Volunteers
