"While in Australia, I taught hundreds of developing country university students. I saw them and their families struggle to provide an education. Since then, I have helped young women in various places in developing countries. The personal rewards have been tremendous, but I  also learned many lessons on how to do it successfully- the hard way.  

"To make the dollars go farther, Spirit had to become a public charity. In 2001, the IRS approved the 501(c)(3) public charity tax status.  In addition, the IRS has determined it qualifies under sections 509(a)(1) & 170(b)(1)(A)(vi). 

"Program site selection was difficult. We needed one country in which there was economic need, hard working capable middle school students and a culture where women were allowed a career, although lack of opportunity usually “kept them in their place”. Further, we needed a place where the assistance from America was welcome and genuinely accepted, not seen as a source of "deep pockets" to be exploited. Through various contacts, we explored several countries. 
 

"In December 2001, we visited the northwest corner of Guatemala and found that site."
 

 THE SPIRIT TEAM in the US
 
We welcome people who are interested in joining our effort.

Pam Novak, founder and president of Spirit is blessed to have the following wonderful volunteers to make the Spirit dream a reality.                                                 
 

Pam with Director Ann Hughes in Guatemala. Ann is a terrific director and organizer.  She delights in her role as madrina (godmother) to two of our girls and has worked tirelessly with her Woodstock Illinois Rotary Club on projects to get educational equipment and materials to Guatemala in 2005. She and her passion for the projects add tremendously to the program.

New board consultant Marie Jacobs has taken on our dental project. In December 2005, while trying to get a smile out of a becada for her madrina, I realized tooth decay is endemic. Our 17 year old girls had already lost some to many teeth. Future professionals can not be toothless! So the birth of the 2006 dental program addition. The girls now receive complete dental care and semi annual checkups.

Jenny Roberts, board member and one of our madrinas, is fully committed to the idea of Spirit. She brings previous nonprofit board position experience and has been a successful fundraiser. Jenny has traveled extensively throughout Central and South America and has lived in Guatemala.

Kimberly Knight has designed our promotional materials and brings her fundraising skills to the team. We welcome her talents.
 

OUR NEW TEAM IN GUATEMALA

In December 2008, we made a huge switch in team member approach. Based on a recommendation in July 2008, by a respected attorney in Coatepeque, and continuing problems with our existing manager, I decided to take the advice and enlist the poor to help the poor.

This decision was nothing short of brilliant. Problems are communicated and dealt with rapidly, grades are reported on time and our funds are accounted for and monitored. Funds monitoring can be critical in this continuing time of bank failures.

More recently, their skills at applicant need evaluation was very helpful.

The long term goal is to develop a team that can do most of the applicant interviewing and sorting out. They know the people! 

Joel Alonzo, one of Coatepeque's college

professors has offered to maintain our computers.

His expertise is a very welcome addition to our

Guatemala team. Starting in 2006, he will be

the village coordinator and mentor to the

becadas in El Refugio.

And not least, we are grateful for the many madrinas and padrinos (godparents) currently sponsoring students, as well as our donors who have enriched the program through donations for English language books or equipment or funds for special projects