Projects
Guatemala
Expanding Educational Opportunities in Santiago Atitlán
Nestled on the shores of Lake Atitlán and surrounded by volcanoes, Santiago Atitlán is one of Guatemala’s largest Indigenous Maya Tz’utujil communities. Rich in culture, history, and tradition, the town is home to approximately 60,000 people and is known for its vibrant artisan heritage, strong community spirit, and breathtaking natural surroundings.
Since launching our Guatemala Project in 2016, we have worked alongside local schools, community organisations, teachers, and families to increase access to quality English language education. Our mission is to create opportunities for learners of all ages while supporting broader community development through collaboration, partnership, and education.
Why English Education Matters in Guatemala
English is becoming increasingly important throughout Guatemala. It can open doors to higher education, employment opportunities, tourism, entrepreneurship, and international exchange.
However, access to quality English language instruction is often limited in rural communities. While many students recognise the value of learning English, they may not have access to the teachers, resources, or learning opportunities needed to develop practical language skills.
For young people in rural communities like Santiago Atitlán, English proficiency can increase access to scholarships, university programs, careers in tourism and hospitality, remote work opportunities, and international professional networks.
Our goal is not simply to teach English. We aim to provide learners with skills that can support their personal, academic, and professional aspirations for years to come.
Our English Education Programs in Santiago Atitlán
We believe that sustainable educational impact is built through partnership. We work with local schools, organisations, community groups, and educators to ensure our programs respond to genuine community needs.
Partnering with Local Schools
A significant part of our work takes place in local public primary schools, where we deliver English programs to students in grades 4–6. Through partnerships with school leaders and teachers, we help expand access to English education while complementing existing learning objectives.
Supporting Teachers
Strong education systems rely on strong educators. In addition to teaching students, we provide English learning opportunities for local teachers seeking to improve their language skills and to contribute to long-term educational sustainability.
Community-Based Learning
Through our Learning Centre, we provide English language programs for children, teenagers, and adults who may not otherwise have access to English education, as well as those looking to supplement their learning.
Collaboration and Community Partnerships
We also collaborate with local organisations, cooperatives and community groups whose efforts contribute to education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and economic opportunity throughout the Lake Atitlán region.
Volunteer and Support Education in Guatemala
Since 2016, we have worked with thousands of learners through public schools, community programs, teacher development initiatives, and Learning Centre classes. If you believe in the power of education to transform lives, there are many ways to support our work.
Whether you are interested in volunteering, partnering with us, fundraising, or helping expand access to English education in Guatemala, we would love to hear from you. Visit our Volunteer page to learn more about joining our programs in Santiago Atitlán.
If your interests lie in healthcare, environmental conservation, inclusion, or sustainable livelihoods, we also encourage you to explore the incredible work being carried out by the organisations throughout the Lake Atitlán region, many of which we have had the privlege to collaborate with:
Education Partners
- Puerta Abierta
- Mayanza
- Pueblo a Pueblo
- Salvando Madres
Health Care
- Hospitalito Atitlán
- Salvando Madres
- Mayanza
- Pueblo a Pueblo
Environmental
- ADECCAP
- Amigos del Lago
Sustainable Livelihoods and Inclusion
- ADISA
- CoAtitlán
- Cojolyá
- Sharing the Dream
- Pueblo a Pueblo
Legacy Projects
Nicaragua
Nicaragua is where the story of One, Two…Tree! began.
In 2013, we launched our first English education project in Diriamba, a community located southeast of Managua. What started as a small volunteer-led initiative quickly grew into a long-term educational program built on collaboration, community engagement, and a shared belief that access to education creates opportunity.
Working in partnership with the Nicaraguan Ministry of Education and local community organisations, we delivered English language programs in eight public schools and supported adult learners through community-based classes. Over the course of five years, our programs reached hundreds of children as well adult learners seeking to improve their opportunities through English language education.
Our approach in Nicaragua laid the foundations for the model we continue to use today: partnering with local schools and organisations, working alongside community members, and creating accessible educational opportunities for learners of all ages.
Beyond the classroom, the project fostered meaningful cultural exchange between local communities and volunteers from around the world. Many students gained their first exposure to conversational English, while volunteers developed strong relationships with local families, schools, and community organisations.
In 2018, increasing political instability and safety concerns throughout Nicaragua led us to suspend our operations in the country. While the project is no longer active, Nicaragua remains a defining chapter in our history. The lessons learned, partnerships built, and impact achieved during those five years continue to shape our work today.
We remain deeply grateful to the students, educators, families, and partner organisations who welcomed us into their community and helped build the foundations of what One, Two…Tree! has become.
Mexico
Building on the experience and partnerships developed through our work in Nicaragua, we also expanded into Mexico in 2018, launching a new English education project in Zinacantán, Chiapas.
Working alongside local schools and community organisations, we delivered English language programs through the Melchor Ocampo Primary School, the Dr. Manuel Gamio Social Integration Centre, and local nonprofit partners. These collaborations allowed us to reach learners who might otherwise have had little opportunity to study English before secondary school.
Although the project operated for a relatively short period, it quickly grew to reach hundreds of children through classroom-based programs, community initiatives, and summer learning activities. Volunteers and local partners worked together to create engaging lessons that focused on building confidence, communication skills, and enthusiasm for learning.
The Mexico project reinforced our belief that strong community partnerships are the foundation of successful educational programs. By working closely with local educators, schools, and organisations, we were able to adapt our approach to the cultural and linguistic context of the community while creating meaningful educational opportunities for students.
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic and growing safety concerns in the region led us to suspend operations in Mexico. While the project is no longer active, it remains an important chapter in our organisational history and contributed valuable lessons that continue to influence our work today.
We remain grateful to the students, teachers, community partners, and supporters who helped make the project possible and who welcomed One, Two…Tree! into their community,