At the D.R.O.P.S. Foundation, we believe in supporting impactful organizations that create lasting change in the lives of vulnerable communities. In 2024, our partnership with Project Somos continued to bring hope and opportunity to at-risk children in Guatemala.

Guatemala is one of the most impoverished regions in the Americas, where access to education is a luxury many families cannot afford. Public schools are overcrowded, underfunded, and lack essential resources like libraries, technology, and internet access. For families living in poverty, even the basic costs of schooling are prohibitive, forcing many children into labor in fields or homes, leaving education—and its opportunities—out of reach.

Somos Children’s Village bridges this gap by offering holistic education and academic support to these children at no cost. Through programs that nurture physical health, intellectual growth and emotional resilience, Project Somos empowers children to stay in school and gain the skills necessary to lift themselves and their families out of poverty.

In 2024, the D.R.O.P.S. Foundation’s contributions focused on three essential areas: the Girls’ Program, Nutritional Programming, and an expanded playground, all designed to meet immediate needs while fostering long-term growth and independence.
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Girls’ Program:

On average, indigenous girls in Guatemala attend just 1.8 years of schooling due to household demands and systemic barriers. The country is home to around 2 million child brides, with 3 in every 10 young women married – and 60% of these becoming mothers – before the age of 18. Project Somos’ aims to rewrite this narrative by encouraging girls to stay in school, equipping them with the confidence and skills to become leaders in their communities.

“Our girls program focuses on empowering young women, helping them to find their voice and their role... Over the last few months, our focus has been on helping the girls develop their ability to express their emotions, feelings, and thoughts—an essential skill in a society where women are often silenced.”

• Project Somos’ County Director, Sarah de Lemus

Thanks to D.R.O.P.S. Foundation’s sponsorship, Project Somos will be launching a number of future initiatives, such as an Inspirational Speaker series to help connect girls with female role models, inspiring them to dream big and envision a brighter future.
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Nutritional Program:

One of the most pressing challenges faced by rural Mayan families is malnutrition. Nearly 50% of Guatemalan children under five are chronically malnourished, hindering their brain development and overall growth.

At Project Somos, this crisis is being addressed through their nutritional program, which serves daily hot lunches and nutritious snacks using fresh ingredients, 70% of which are grown organically on the Somos Farm. The school also provides gardening, cooking and nutrition classes, which teach children and their families how to grow and prepare healthy meals using fresh ingredients.

By addressing malnutrition holistically, Project Somos is not just feeding children today, but equipping them with the tools to lead healthier lives tomorrow.

D.R.O.P.S. contributed to the nutritional program by funding the purchase of a new food liquidizer, a vital tool for preparing nutrient-rich, vegetable-based sauces. This addition ensures that every meal is packed with essential vitamins and minerals to support the healthy growth and development of every child.
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Playground:

Play is a critical component of child development, fostering creativity, confidence, and essential life skills. However, many children supported by Project Somos are burdened with adult responsibilities too early in life. To address this, the foundation has created a safe, nurturing environment where children can simply enjoy being children. 

Through our partnership, Project Somos has been able to expand its playground with a new swing set and 10 additional balance bikes. These play facilities provide a safe, nurturing space where children can grow their confidence, creativity, and social skills.

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None of this would be possible without the tireless dedication of the Project Somos team, who bring these programs to life. The D.R.O.P.S. team would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our donors and supporters, whose generosity has made a lasting difference in the lives of children and families in Guatemala.

Together, we are not just transforming communities—we are building a brighter future, one project at a time.