Opening the doors to a new school building!
The beginning of this 2017 school year marks a great milestone for Global Shore as we open the doors to our second school building: the Carrera school! (pictured below)
As many of you already know, our 2016 goal was to complete and furnish the first floor of our carrera (“career”) building in order for classrooms to be ready for students in 2017. Although the carrera programs were launched last year, those classes were being conducted in the elementary school building. Now that there is a new group of students enrolled in carerras for 2017, thus a larger program size, we thank you for all of your support in the construction of this new school building to be able to host their classes in!
All throughout 2016 we had short term teams help on the site and contribute both their volunteer labour and finances towards advancing this big project. Despite the construction being halted for three months in the spring, we were blown away at God’s provision and the several generous donations we received that were specifically designated to recommence the building project. The construction of the first story, consisting of six classrooms, a meeting hall, washrooms, and staff offices was completed in October and our oldest students finished painting the walls in November. In early December a team of men flew down from Ontario to address the landscaping needed around the building. A backhoe was hired, retaining walls were made, paving stones were laid, and the parking lot was created! By the time classes started
in January, we were pleased to not only have the outside study area beautified, but to also have the rooms furnished and all ready for the students! Thank you to all of you who helped make this dream a reality!
“There’s a more professional ambiance in this new building. We feel like adults – or on the way to becoming adults.”
We are continually blown away at the progress of our upper secondary students and their willingness to learn and persevere. Time and time again we are reminded of how each of them have beaten the odds to get to where they are at today. We, along with all of you, celebrate and applaud each of our 63 carrera students who work incredibly hard to change the educational statistics of their country.
As it’s our second year with the Carerras program, but only the first year in the new building, we wanted you to hear from the ones who are impacted the most by it all.. our students!:
Vida: “It was really loud and crowded last year with all the younger students, but we can concentrate more here!”
Almendra: “There’s a more professional ambiance in this new building. We feel like adults – or on the way to becoming adults.”
Irene Jerusalen: “Our new subjects this year are shorthand, archival work and we like it. We’re having more conversations in English and are practicing it with one another a lot more.”
Welcoming some new faces to Global Shore!
The first few months of every year are a time of transition for Global Shore as we embark on a new school year with new students and, often times, new staff. This year is no exception! We are proud to introduce some of our newest staff with Global Shore, from Canada and Guatemala! We are incredibly excited to see how God will use them through this ministry. Get to know them below!
Joti Wall – Canadian Executive Director
“What a privilege it has already been to join in full time and be a part of the work God is doing in and through GSO. I am incredibly grateful for a job that allows me to serve alongside a group of selfless individuals, and grateful to continually see peoples lives positively impacted by studying in the school or serving there on a short term trip. I look forward to this year ahead and for all the ways in which God will use this ministry, and all of you who are a part of it, to further His Kingdom.”
Beth Brown – TEFL Director
“I love that I get to use my experience and training as a teacher to empower and equip others in their teaching, especially those who are first-year teachers.”
Lexi Putman de Pelaez – Sponsorship Liaison
“I’m most excited to play a part in facilitating greater communication and connection with sponsors and their partners here in Guatemala.”
Amy-Beth Hughes – TEFL Assistant & Homeschool Teacher
“I am most excited to see how far my impact can go with the opportunity I’ve been given to serve with Global Shore.”
Tony Sanz – TEFL Assistant
“I am most excited about the thought that we can have a positive impact on the lives of so many students that are here eager to learn and to please God.”
Hannah Wanous – Canadian Assistant Director
“I am most excited to build relationships with sponsors in Canada who see the long lasting impact that they have on the lives of our students in Guatemala. I can’t wait to be a part of peoples lives as they discover their passions and giftings and begin to use them to bring glory to God’s name. It’s a blessing to be part of Global Shore and to work in a place where I am continually reminded of the Lord’s redeeming love and faithfulness.”
Fred Brown – Short Term Opportunities Director
“I’m excited to create opportunities for visitors to Guatemala, and to facilitate mutually enriching connections that create change long after a trip is over.”
Christine Dyck – TEFL Teacher (Grade 5-9)
“I’m most excited about getting to know the students and learning from them, about becoming a more effective teacher, and learning Spanish so I can connect more with the staff.”
Mikhaila Bergen – TEFL Teacher (JK-Grade 4)
“Teachers have a huge influence on their students, and every day I have the opportunity to speak words of truth and light into their lives. What an honour to be a part of that.”
Verena Sanz – TEFL Teacher (2nd Year Carrera)
“I love teaching these students because they are lots of fun to be with, and they are eager to learn English.”
Roger Garcia – Math & Sciences (Basicos & Carrera)
“I really enjoy working with students, encouraging them to experiment and think critically in science, and to strengthen their skills in math.”
Jackeline Zamora – Senior Kindgarten
“I look forward to working with children and am excited because it is for God and His ministry. I’m very happy teaching Preparatoria. I love working with children at this age.”
Monica Garcia – Maintenance
“I am excited to do well and for people to be satisfied with my work here in the school.”
Lesvia Pichilla – Electives (Basicos & Carrera)
“I am most excited about working with these students who have enthusiasm about learning.”
Partnering with a national missionary
This year marks 12 years of Global Shore’s involvement in building lasting relationships and development initiatives with the community of El Tizate. As we reflect on the history of this ministry and the work God has led GSO to do here, we know that it has only been possible through His provision, through all of your ongoing support, and through those working on the frontlines of our school each and every day. Global Shore is happy to say that the large majority of our hired staff in Guatemala are nationals; born and raised in Guatemala and called to share the love of God with their own people.
Our teachers don’t view their work as just a job, but as a calling from God. We are incredibly grateful for the passion they put into their work and the love they pour out to all of their students. The Teacher Partnership Program was created to connect our dedicated teachers to individuals in Canada who are passionate about the value of high quality Christian education and are interested in partnering with a Guatemalan national missionary.
Partnering with a teacher at our school means assisting financially in providing for their employment and committing to pray for them. When you choose to sponsor a teacher, you are also committing to supporting them through prayer, enabling them to do their work by contributing to the financial cost needed to cover their ministry position (through a $25/month or $50/month commitment), and entrusting them with up to 25 children in their classroom.
You can find out more by visiting our website at www.globalshore.org/sponsor-a-teacher
Saying Adios
After eight years of involvement with us Christoph Sanz is wrapping up his last few months with Global Shore and will be heading back to Vancouver in April. In the summer of 2010, Christoph joined Global Shore’s Summer Program for the first time and returned the following year to co-lead the program. A few years later, he came on full time as our Assistant Canadian Director. Christoph writes: “Being part of this team has been an immense privilege and the experiences and friendships I have gained over the past few years have been the richest of gifts. The Global Shore community, both in Canada and Guatemala, have truly been my family.”
Christoph, you will be deeply missed around here but we are so excited to see what God has in store for your future! Praying all the best for you.
2017 School Year
As mentioned in our October newsletter, we made the decision this year to begin charging a small tuition for each child studying in the school. Exceptions have been made for many families who were unable to afford the tuition cost, and we are thrilled to say that over 90% of our students returned to study at CCAF (Colegio Cristiano Avivando El Fuego)! Including those in the carrera school, there are now 320 students with us this year. Praise God! Thank you so much to all of you who sponsor a student or teacher in our school and your continued support to provide high quality Christian education to kids in Guatemala.
Financial Update
As many of you know, 2016 consisted of a big financial transition for Global Shore and we had the opportunity to host a number of fundraisers all throughout Canada to help reach our financial goals for the year. From a live music dinner in British Columbia, a motorcycle fundraiser in Alberta, a Pig Roast in Norfolk County, a year-long Birthday Campaign, and an end-of-year fundraiser, we are so thankful for all the ways in which God provided and helped us meet our 2016 budget! Thank you to all of you who are a part of our extended Global Shore family and have continued to help further the work of Global Shore and the education of children in Guatemala. We are so grateful for all of you who put so much time, energy, and resources into making these fundraisers possible. They truly couldn’t have taken place without you. We look forward to 2017 and will be keeping you posted on upcoming fundraisers this year!
Upcoming Short-Term Opportunities
Come join us in Guatemala, see what God is doing in the school first-hand, and get involved! We are running two more trips this year that are open to anyone. For more information, or to apply, please visit www.globalshore.org/short-term-teams
Family Trip (approximately July 10-21st): Come serve and grow together as a family!
Graduation Celebration Trip (approximately October 10-21st): Join us for two weeks of service and celebrating. We especially recommend joining us if your sponsor student is graduating from 3rd Basicos (Grade 9) this year!
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