Schools Program Case Study

Moli Griffin

In 2006 Moli Griffin started a fundraising campaign with her school in Wales to support our project in Guatemala. Over the years this relationship has provided stimulating educational focus for the children in Wales whilst making a huge difference in Guatemala.

Their fundraising initiatives have helped us to take huge strides on the project in Guatemala dramatically improving the lives of children but this has also provided a well earned source of pride and inspiration for the school in Wales.

Read Moli’s thoughts on this relationship:

Why did you choose to fundraise for the GVI Charitable Trust?

I chose the GVI Charitable Trust as I wanted to provide much needed financial support to the project in Guatemala but I also wanted to provide an insight for the children in Wales into how children the same ages as themselves live in poverty. Through the project the children build an understanding of the lives of the children in Guatemala and develop important social skills.

How did you raise funds in your school?

Funds have been raised through non uniform days, cake sales and toy sales. All these events were very successful and provided minimal effort for staff.

How do you think the experience has been beneficial for the children?

Working with children from age 4-11 they learn about the country, the people and their culture. We do a lot of comparison work between the lives of children in the school and the lives of children in Guatemala to raise awareness of poverty. We look at the differences in lifestyle, opportunities and challenges that the children have.

The children enjoy working on the Guatemala project and it is always a very popular group. They learn through worksheets, workshops, discussion groups and group work. The children are very enthusiastic to learn about Guatemala and raise money to help the children.

Do you think the initiative has inspired the children to be more socially aware?

The initiative has definitely made the children more socially aware. The whole school is very involved in the project and it has grown in strength every year. The children have been able to see the direct effect they are having on helping the school and the lives of the children in Guatemala.

What has been the best part of joining the Schools Program?

The funds raised provide huge support for the project in Guatemala which is enough in itself but the best part is that the children in Wales get to see how they have helped make a difference to the children in Guatemala. They are very proud of the work they are supporting and feel lucky to have this link. Over the years the children have been able to follow the progress of the project and see directly where the money is going and who it is affecting.