We are an organization committed to educational transformation.
Our goal is to provide equitable access to quality education, empowering students and shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
About us
Niños de Guatemala is a non-profit organization transforming lives through education. We provide quality learning programs and support to over 500 children and their families, helping break the cycle of poverty in Guatemala.
Through our three schools and community initiatives, we focus on holistic growth, from academics and health to social and professional skills.
Our Guatemalan team of educators works hand in hand with international partners and volunteers from the Netherlands, the U.S., and beyond. Together, we empower students with the tools, confidence, and opportunities to build a brighter future.
Skills for success
Our core program, Skills for Success, empowers students with the confidence, knowledge, and life skills to thrive — not only in school, but in every step of their journey.
Empower with education
Our mission is to empower children through quality education—giving them the tools, confidence, and opportunities to create a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
Schools & education
We run three schools and community programs that nurture every aspect of a child’s growth—academics, health, social and emotional skills, and pathways to future employment.
Local leadership
We work hand in hand with the local community—our dedicated Guatemalan teachers, principals, and staff lead the way. Together with our partners in Guatemala, the Netherlands, and the United States, and the support of volunteers from around the world, we bring innovative education and lasting opportunities to families.
Our vision
Transformative change through education.
Our mission
Breaking the poverty cycle through holistic and bilingual education.
Our Values
Holistic development
Promoting students’ academic, social, and emotional growth.
Community and collaboration
Strengthening shared responsibility through local engagement.
Resilience and adaptability
Overcoming challenges with creativity and flexibility.
Impact
Creating measurable and lasting change in students and their communities.
Transparency and responsibility
Always act with integrity and commitment.
Commitment to excellence
Always strive for quality education and operational efficiency.
Our Story
It all began in 2006, when our founder, Marten Dresen, met a young girl named Mirna while volunteering in Guatemala. She didn’t have shoes, and giving her a simple pair changed both of their lives. That moment revealed how small acts of kindness can spark lasting change.
Inspired by Mirna’s story, Marten returned to the Netherlands and, together with his sister Annemiek and friend Sander Wirken, founded Niños de Guatemala—an organization dedicated to opening doors through education.
What started as one school has grown into three, now serving over 500 children every year. Our programs go beyond academics, focusing on emotional well-being, family support, and health—ensuring that each child has the opportunity to thrive.
Led by passionate Guatemalan teachers and community leaders, Niños de Guatemala continues to demonstrate that lasting transformation begins with empathy, collaboration, and the conviction that every child deserves the opportunity to dream.
How we make a difference
Our work goes beyond providing high quality education to disadvantaged students. Once students finish high school, they can continue studying on a scholarship at NDG a one-year Hospitality Certification Program to learn how to work within the hospitality industry, responsible for 80% of the jobs in Antigua Guatemala, to obtain actual job experience with verifiable references for their résumé and to have the opportunity to land a job at the hotels or restaurants where they do their internship. The complete cycle closes the gap needed to break the cycle of poverty.
Want to see how education transforms lives? Watch our videos and discover how Niños de Guatemala empowers students. Breaking the cycle of poverty one opportunity at a time:
