THE DREAM

A better Guatemala

"We dream of a country where the resource of human labor is honored, respected, and not exploited. Where the rise of technology is received as a respite, and gives way to business opportunities with creative and holistic solutions that turn into meaningful jobs. Where children have the opportunity to access an education that stimulates, shelters, and prepares them to lead and problem solve for the current world affairs. Where ancient wisdom of food and land is restored and respected. Where the natives of the land are honored for their past and present strengths in being the keepers of a culture that has marveled scientists for thousands of years."

Raquel and Julio Salazar

Our Journey

Our vision for a better Guatemala isn’t new, but it has definitely evolved over the past 20 years. As we learn and grow, we find creative ways to leverage projects and social businesses to impact more lives across Guatemala. 

Timeline

1998
The very beginning

The Fundación Rose is established with the mission of educating children in Guatemala.

Step one of a thousand steps

Classes at Colegio Mesoamericano start with 79 students using cinder blocks and plywood for desks. We began the hard work of converting an old mattress factory in Chimaltenango, Guatemala into an effective learning environment.

1999
Our second school

Support for our approach to education grows. We opened a second school in country side of Guatemala, in the town of Patzicía.

2000
Our third school

A third school in Momostenango opens, and our reputation for child-centered learning gains traction.

2006
First high school graduation

Our first class of students graduates high school – 15 students who paved the way for our current average of 42 graduates each year.

2010
Momostenango is sold

Global financial trouble impacts our endowment and we are forced to sell our Momostenango campus.

2017
A bridge to Snow College
A bridge to Snow College

We proudly sent our first group of 3 students to Snow College in Ephraim, Utah. This opened the door for more students each year to go to Snow and further their education.

2018
Patzicia is sold

Hoping to invest in our aging original campus, we choose to sell the Patzicia school to a likeminded organization.

Meso Foundation is formed

The Meso Foundation is reorganized and established in the United States with renewed energy and a vision of empowering the native people of Guatemala.

2019
Day to day operations move to Guatemala

Raquel and her family move to Guatemala to help organize efforts, connect to our local leadership teams and to our partners on the ground.

2020
Enter COVID-19
Enter COVID-19

As Guatemala enters lockdown, Colegio Mesoamericano moves classes online via Google Classroom. Together with our admin team, we create curiosity challenges on our school Facebook groups to keep our students and teachers connected during the pandemic.

Project Indigo launches at Meso
Project Indigo launches at Meso

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we successfully introduced and piloted Indigo, our emotional intelligence-based curriculum, over an initial 12-week period at Colegio Mesoamericano, facilitated by our dedicated team of psychologists.

Graduating in the middle of COVID
Graduating in the middle of COVID

In the height of COVID-19, we proudly graduated 41 seniors who completed their high school education online, and in isolation. We held a small on-campus ceremony for students and parents, but strict local restrictions prevented a class photo.

2021
Creating opportunities in Guatemala
Creating opportunities in Guatemala

Pixel Productions comes to life. A creative agency with a mission to “Create for Good.” Launched in April 2021, we leverage creativity and commerce to develop more education and career opportunities in Guatemala.

Partnership with Redmond
Partnership with Redmond

We formalize our partnership with Redmond, Inc., a Utah based company on a mission to elevate the human experience. Redmond offers a 1:1 matching program for Redmond associates who donate to Colegio Mesoamericano’s Scholarship Program.

Largest graduating class!

Despite COVID-induced chaos, lockdowns, and hybrid learning challenges, we triumphantly graduated our largest class to date, consisting of 48 students, showcasing resilience and adaptability in unprecedented times.

2022
Continuing Julio’s Legacy
Continuing Julio’s Legacy

We unexpectedly lose our father and founder, Julio Salazar, who dedicated his life to creating a happier, healthier, and more prosperous Guatemala.

2023
Back to campus
Back to campus

Returning to school in person after 2 years of isolation and remote learning brings excitement for reconnecting with peers, teachers, and a sense of normalcy.

Introducing Meso Eats!
Introducing Meso Eats!

We’re excited to introduce the launch of our third social business! On our school campus, Meso Eats is dedicated to serving our students, teachers, and visitors with wholesome and tasty meals, freshly prepared using in-season local produce.

Partnership with Luis von Ahn Foundation
Partnership with Luis von Ahn Foundation

We are thankful for the opportunity to collaborate with partners such as the Luis von Ahn Foundation, who share our commitment to supporting leaders and non-profit organizations within the Guatemalan community. These partnerships are vital in helping us fulfill our mission.