About us
Transforming the lives of Guatemalan children through inspirational programs
About Ninos del Lago
Ninos del Lago is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization supporting children in Guatemala through education, health, and personal development.
Recognized as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code (EIN 20-0834503), Ninos del Lago supports a locally rooted organization and team in Guatemala that works directly with children, families, schools, and communities.
Our Work in Guatemala
In Panajachel, Sololá, our programs are implemented through Asociación Civil No Lucrativa Niños del Lago, a Guatemalan nonprofit organization that works directly with children and their local communities.
The Guatemala team leads the day-to-day implementation of our programs, working alongside children, families, schools, and local partners. Ninos del Lago USA supports this work through fundraising, organizational resources, and nonprofit operations.
Why Children in Guatemala
For many children, continuing their education is not always a simple journey. More than 50% of the population lives in poverty, while limited access to healthcare and quality education, together with social and economic inequality, can create barriers to learning and future opportunities.
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Up to 50%, and more in rural areas, of children do not graduate from 6th Grade.
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Only about 50% continue their secondary education, and only 3–8%* reach university level.
*UNESCO
But these numbers do not define a child’s potential.
How We Work
Children join Niños del Lago through local schools and participate in a structured program designed to strengthen the skills they need to continue their education. Over a 10-month school year, tutors and professional staff work with small groups of no more than 10 students. This allows us to know each child, understand where they are in their learning, and provide consistent support along the way.
Children typically participate in the program for at least three years, receiving consistent support throughout their school years. We strengthen their literacy and mathematics skills while creating opportunities to develop confidence, curiosity, communication, and other personal skills that support their growth both in and beyond the classroom.
Every Child’s Potential
Education is more than keeping up with a grade level. It is also about discovering what you are capable of. At Niños del Lago, we accompany children as they strengthen their knowledge, explore their interests, express their ideas, face challenges, and learn from their experiences.
We want each child to feel that their voice matters, that it is okay to ask questions, that mistakes are part of learning, and that difficult moments do not mean they have to give up.
Education
Math and literacy
At NdL we directly address staggering statistics:
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Over 50% of Guatemalan children drop out of school before the 6th grade.
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Less than 50% of students perform at their grade level in math and literacy skills
Our education program empowers children with the knowledge and skills they need to stay in school and succeed in school. Students learn at their own pace, and have access to learning methods and professional support that promotes their educational growth and achievement.
Health
Nutrition, hygiene and medical care
Our Health Program provides children with access to nutritious food, nutrition education, personal and food hygiene education, and personal healthcare like medical check-ups, deworming treatments, and essential vitamins – helping them stay strong, focused, and ready to learn.
Personal Development
Empathy and social responsibility
Our Personal Development Program creates safe spaces and dedicated emotional and social counseling and mentoring. Children learn to build self-awareness, empathy, confidence, resilience. They discover their strengths and learn to overcome their challenges, helping them to grow through reflection, and learn to positively impact their communities.
How we achieve results
Our goal is to inspire lasting change, not only in the lives of the children we serve, but also within their families and communities. Together, we work toward the following outcomes:
1
Stronger
Academic Skills
By reinforcing school learning and providing essential school supplies, we help children improve their academic performance, increase retention, and stay aligned with grade level and opportunities for advanced education.
2
Improved
Health and Nutrition
We promote healthier lifestyles through access to basic health services, nutritious food and education, deworming, hygiene support, and education on personal care, reducing illness and supporting children’s physical development.
3
Emotional
Well-being and Resilience
We provide a safe space for children to explore and manage their emotions, boost self-esteem, and build the resilience needed to face life’s challenges with greater confidence.
4
Inspiration
to be Agents of Change
We encourage children to dare to dream, believe in their strengths and become positive role models capable of ingniting transformation in their own lives and their communities.
5
Long-Term Impact
on Poverty Reduction
By equipping children with knowledge, health, and emotional tools, we lay the foundation for lasting social impact. We help to break the cycle of generational poverty by promoting sustainable community development.
Meet the Guatemalan team
Zabdi Pocop Can
Executive Director
I was born in Panajachel, Sololá. I studied to become a primary education teacher, while also feeling a strong passion for business administration; two paths that life eventually brought together.
Through Niños del Lago, I have found a way to grow while contributing to my community. I believe every person deserves the opportunity to be understood, to grow in a supportive environment, and to learn to trust in their own abilities. Many times, people don’t fall short because they lack capacity, but because they don’t believe in themselves.
I feel truly blessed to lead this organization and to be part of the impact it creates in the lives of children and families.
Ana María González
Operations Assistant
I live in Panajachel, Sololá. I am an intercultural early childhood teacher, and I have had the privilege of working with Niños del Lago for the past five years; work that I am truly passionate about, as I love helping others.
In my free time, I enjoy baking desserts and sharing them with others through small sales.
Lilia Leticia Jimón
Tutor
I studied to become a pre-primary education teacher. I also hold a Secondary Education Teaching degree. I am currently married and have two daughters. I am from Panajachel, and in my free time I enjoy hiking and cycling, especially exploring the hills around my community.
Estéfani Judith Xingo
Tutor
I am originally from Panajachel. I graduated as a Specialized Teaching Technician in Learning Disabilities. I am passionate about supporting children in their educational journey, accompanying them with patience, dedication, and commitment to strengthen their learning and overall development.
Rosalva Isabel Rosales
Tutor
I was born in Panajachel, Sololá, and I am an intercultural bilingual pre-primary teacher. I also hold a specialized teaching degree in bilingual primary education from Universidad del Valle de Guatemala (UVG). I am married and have a two-year-old daughter. I am happily practicing my profession at Niños del Lago, where I enjoy supporting children in their learning and development.
Esmirna Sinaí Ramos
Tutor
I am an Early Childhood Education teacher. Since my teenage years, I discovered my passion for teaching and for sharing knowledge in a way that truly connects with children. I strongly believe that learning should be practical, engaging, and meaningful. I am motivated by the idea that every child learns differently, and that all of them are capable of growing when given the right guidance and support.
"I have had the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally. My greatest satisfaction comes from seeing the holistic development of my students"
Marina Rosario Queché
Food Services Coordinator
I was born in Panajachel, Sololá. I have a passion for cooking and take pride in ensuring that the meals served are balanced, helping children learn healthy eating habits from an early age. I have a 14-year-old son, and in my free time I enjoy gardening; planting and caring for my garden is one of my favorite hobbies.
Guatemala Board of Directors
Claudia Rincon
President
“I fell in love with Guatemala on my first visit and decided to commit to supporting Ninos del Lago through my long term friendship with the founder Arlaine Cervantes. I saw an opportunity to work to help improve people’s lives, through NdL educational programs, designed to empower Guatemalan children.”
Claudia is originally from Mexico and believes deeply in the power of education rooted in core values to transform lives.
Silvia De Purswell
Vice President
“I see Niños del Lago as a special place where children have the opportunity to enjoy camp, learn, and discover new experiences.”
Silvia was born and raised in Guatemala. As a proud Chapina, she is passionate about giving back and making a positive difference in her community.
Mayra Tobías
Secretary
“Niños del Lago vision is so admirable; it is a great honor for me to be part of the Guatemalan Board”
Mayra is a Guatemalan lawyer and notary. She joined Niños del Lago’s Guatemalan Board after supporting the organization with legal advice through her friendship with founder Arlaine Cervantes.
Nicolás Ramos
Treasurer
“I have witnessed the humanitarian programs of Niños del Lago that support the most vulnerable. This motivates me and strengthens my commitment to continue.”
Nicolás lives in Panajachel and works as an Accountant and Auditor. We have been privileged to have him as the Treasurer of the Guatemalan Board of Directors for several years.
Francesca Wade
Strategic Advisor, Board Member
“Guatemala is a magical country that’s hard not to fall in love with. However, it is also a country with many needs – in particular many children fall through the gaps in a struggling education system. Ninos de Lago is helping these children to stay in school, flourish and believe that anything is possible – today’s children are tomorrows leaders.”
Francesca is originally from the UK and has lived in Guatemala for over 15 years. She has worked and volunteered with several NGOs, including Niños del Lago.
Arlaine Cervantes †
Founder
During her travels between the US, Mexico, and Guatemala working in the hospitality and real estate business, Arlaine grew to deeply appreciate and respect Guatemala’s people and culture. She was deeply touched by the struggles of the women and children she met. When she saw an opportunity to make a difference, she took it. In 2006, Ninos del Lago was born as an educational nature camp for vulnerable Guatemalan children. Although the camp concept has changed, the vision of transforming the lives of children’s has evolved to address current priorities and needs.
Sadly, Arlaine passed away in August 2021. For more about our founder, Arlaine Cervantes, please Click Here
Our origins
"I had an epiphany so powerful that I had to stop my van. I knew what I was going to do with the rest of my life.
Arlaine Cervantes was the founder of Niños del Lago. Originally from the USA, where she grew up in a challenging evironment, it was while traveling, one of her great loves, that she had a vision of a special and safe place where Guatemalan children could visit, enjoy nature, and be safe – an experience similar to the one she had had during her own childhood at various children’s camps she attended.
"I had an epiphany so powerful that I had to stop my van. I knew what I was going to do with the rest of my life."
United States board
Erica Eagle
President
“I am grateful to be part of Arlaine Cervantes’ legacy: empowering young people to become curious and resourceful problem-solvers.”
Erica has taught science in California public schools for over 35 years. Inspired by Arlaine’s vision for Niños del Lago, she shares a strong commitment to empowering children with confidence to thrive in a complex world.
Joan Daidone
Secretary
“Arlaine Cervantes was a visionary, and I was truly honored to be part of the founding NdL team, having the opportunity to see the power of education, creativity and play transform hopes and dreams into opportunities for Guatemalan children.
Joan is committed to empowering youth with the confidence, emotional intelligence, and communication skills to overcome trauma and thrive within their communities.
David Ader
Treasurer
“I met Arlaine Cervantes during a work study trip to Guatemala with a group of my graduate students and I was immediately pulled in by Arlaine’s vision and mission. When she invited me to join the board, I saw an opportunity to build a cross-cultural community of supporters.”
David is an interdisciplinary scholar specializing in sustainable agriculture and rural development. He formerly served as Assistant Director and Research Assistant Professor at the Smith Center for International Sustainable Agriculture at the University of Tennessee. He is currently an advisor for multiple academic institutions on developing policies for rural development and sustainable agriculture.
The Netherlands board
Marten Numan
President
I was born in Guatemala, adopted by Dutch parents together with my twin brother. My roots have always shaped who I am.
A return visit to Guatemala changed my life. Seeing a mother and her two children on the street, I thought: that could have been me. Back in the Netherlands, I went back to school, ignored the doubters, and took the long road. It taught me that everyone, especially children, needs a real chance. That's why I do this work. To create places in Guatemala where children are guided toward an independent life.
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