The song, “This Little Light of Mine,” headlined a video played at the TEACH 20th anniversary party Apr. 6 at St. Mary of Sorrows Church in Fairfax. There was much to celebrate.
TEACH (Toward Educating America’s CHildren) has been shining a light on the need to educate children in Guatemala for more than 20 years. The organization began at St. Mary’s when Claretian Missionary priests, especially Father Tom Moran, connected parishioners with the poor in Guatemala through a sister parish relationship that continues. Father Moran served at the Fairfax parish 1984-90.
In 2003, it became clear that more assistance for education was needed. St. Mary’s parishioners David Megel and Anne Larin created TEACH, a separate non-profit organization. There are now 15 projects that include primary and middle schools, boarding facilities, an orphanage, and scholarship programs for students to continue their education all the way to the university level. TEACH touches the lives of more than 600 children and their families. Except for one, the projects are all in the Department of Izabal in eastern Guatemala. Q’eqchi, one of 23 Mayan languages, is spoken at home. Many parents are illiterate. The children learn Spanish when they go to school and some learn English as their education continues.
An all-volunteer board of directors guides the projects with the help of translators. A delegation visits each TEACH project every February.
Generous donors from across the U.S. make it possible for the kids to go to school
An important part of TEACH’s success is its ability to attract and work with partners. In Guatemala, partners include religious communities of men and women and local leaders. In Northern Virginia, St. Mary of Sorrows is an important base, and Sydenstricker United Methodist in Springfield and Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Arlington support TEACH.
The April 6 gathering drew approximately 100 people and honored founders Megel and Larin and included TEACH travelers, sponsors, long-time donors and representatives of the Guatemalan embassy. Guatemalan food and attire were everywhere and the AWAL Dance Group performed.
Zamarra is chair of the TEACH board of directors.
Find out more
For more information on TEACH, go to teacham.org.
