Guatemala 2026
Antiguo Xepocol: Builders Beyond Borders returned to the indigenous highland community of Antiguo Xepocol to continue construction of the village’s growing school. After building the first four classrooms in 2019, B3 will partner with the community committee and Peace Corps Volunteers to construct three additional second-floor classrooms, helping meet the needs of an expanding student population. Home to approximately 200 families, Antiguo Xepocol is a farming community rich in Mayan culture and traditions. Community members were eager to share their language, customs, traditional dress, and daily life while learning about ours, creating an authentic cultural exchange that reflects the heart of the B3 experience.
Balanyá: Builders Beyond Borders was excited to return to Balanyá English Academy (BEA), where we first partnered in 2019 and again in 2022. This year, B3 worked alongside longtime Guatemalan partner Logan Sierra and the BEA community to begin construction of the Steven Lewine Early Education Center, affectionately known as “Steve’s Place.” The new building includes three Pre-K classrooms designed specifically for the school’s youngest learners, providing a dedicated space where children ages 3 to 6 will learn and grow. Located near Chimaltenango, Balanyá is an indigenous community proud of its Mayan heritage and committed to preserving its Kaqchikel language and traditions while embracing the opportunities that come with English education. More than just a school, BEA serves as a community hub, offering health programs, vocational training, music classes, adult English instruction, and ongoing healthy stove and water purification initiatives. As always, our volunteers experienced meaningful cultural exchange, strong community partnerships, and the opportunity to help build a brighter future, one classroom at a time.
