At Nicolás Fund for Education (NFE), our mission is deeply woven into the fabric of who we are: to seek justice and equity for the Ixil, a Mayan indigenous region in Guatemala, who for over 400 years have borne the weight of systematic discrimination and a 36-year genocide. This tragic history has entrenched families in cycles of poverty that seemed impossible to break. Founded in 2012 and initially fueled by a divine calling and a deep compassion for the Ixil people, NFE has grown into a beacon of hope. Through Christ-centered education, we are empowering Mayan youth to break these cycles of poverty, fostering a generation of young leaders who are equipped with the skills to transform their lives and lead their communities toward sustainable change. Values of serving Christ through loving others, building relationships, fostering hope, compassion, justice and equity, integrity, stewardship, and transparency guide our every step. With 108 high school graduates since 2015, 18 graduates currently attending university, and plans to begin classes in our new campus in 2025, NFE is creating a future where the Ixil region thrives, powered by educated and empowered individuals. Join us in this remarkable journey of transformation and be a part of lighting the path for countless youth dreaming of a brighter tomorrow.
Breaking the Cycle
2023 Annual Report
Empowering Mayan youth to break the generational cycle of poverty in the Ixil region of Guatemala through Christ-centered education.i
By Becci Merritt
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Dear Friends and Supporters of Nicolás Fund for Education, As I reflect upon 2023, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and amazement at what we have accomplished together. Our shared vision for providing educational opportunities for these Ixil region students is producing tangible change. We are seeing increasing levels of self-determination and self-confidence in our graduates. We are excited about our transition early in 2025 to our soon-to-be-completed, state-of-the-art school campus. None of this would have been possible without your unwavering commitment and generosity. The tutoring that you help Nicolás Fund for Education (NFE) provide for 6th-grade students prepares them academically for success at Nicolás Christian School. In this part of rural indigenous Guatemala, USAID estimates that 61% of teenagers do not attend secondary school, largely because of financial reasons. This year, 28 students graduated from our high school—a beacon of hope in a region where too many youths see their educational paths cut short. Graduate Ronaldo's unprecedented achievement in earning a prestigious full-ride university scholarship to study civil engineering underscores that our high-quality education is allowing our graduates to be competitive for university scholarship opportunities. No one from Ronaldo’s state has ever won this scholarship. Eighteen students are receiving Ten Talents scholarships through NFE at this time. Other graduates have obtained other scholarships to further their education after graduation. USAID reports that less than 10% of rural indigenous students attend university. Our rising number of university students is a testament to breaking barriers and redefining the potential of our students. You are making this possible through your kindness. Academics aren’t everything, though. Nicolás Christian School (NCS) students are growing spiritually. We saw 28 student baptisms in August 2023, a vivid affirmation of their faith and the strength of our Christian community at NCS. These moments of inward transformation are just as vital as academic success. Looking ahead, as we stand at the precipice of change and growth, our ambitions are set high: We aim to realize the dream of building a vocational training center on our campus, empowering our students with hands-on skills that promise a sure foothold in the job market. We aspire to establish an endowment, creating a firm financial grounding to sustain and nourish NCS for many generations. We envision increasing our student body to 300 within the next five years, creating future Guatemalan leaders who are committed to ethical, Christian principles. Your belief in our mission fuels every step we take, and I deeply appreciate your trust in Nicolás Fund for Education. Together, we are sowing seeds for a future free from the bonds of poverty—a legacy of empowerment, education, and kingdom impact for Ixil-region students. Thank you for being a crucial part of our story. With heartfelt thanks, Rebecca Merritt President/Board Chair
A Message from our President: Your gift, your choice, their future
In the heart of La Bendición, a small village built on a steep and verdant hill, lives a young tenth grader with dreams larger than the surrounding mountains. Pedro “Brandon,” a student at Nicolás Christian School, is on a quest not just for academic success but for healing and purpose amidst personal trials. Brandon's life recently took an unforeseen turn. His parents' divorce has left him grappling with feelings of loneliness and responsibility far beyond his years. "Lately, I feel alone," Brandon confides. "I want to talk to my parents, but they aren't there." It's a sentiment that echoes in the empty spaces of his small family home, situated at the top of the village near the church. "I sometimes feel like my parent's divorce was my fault," he shares, a heavy burden for any child to bear. Yet, he also acknowledges a deeper understanding that absolves him of blame. Despite living by himself, the echoes of family life surround him. His father, Diego, has started a new chapter with another partner and their baby girl, Brandon's stepsister, and they live in a different home within the same small village. Meanwhile, Brandon's mother, Juana Lidia, battles chronic pain from rheumatism. She must work near Nebaj at a medical clinic to support herself. Because of the clinic’s late hours, Brandon’s mother often sleeps in Nebaj. The divorce has scattered the family physically and emotionally, yet the ties that bind them all to La Bendición remain intact, rooted in the community and its shared struggles. Both sets of Brandon’s grandparents live in La Bendición, and Brandon’s grandmothers bring him dinner each evening. Brandon’s father has asked him to live with him, his new wife, and Brandon’s stepsister, and Brandon thinks it might be a good idea not to be alone so much of the time. Brandon's story could easily be one of despair, but within him burns a fierce resolve to rise above his circumstances. Nicolás Fund for Education has played a pivotal role in this transformation. Amidst adversity, Brandon found solace and support within Nicolás Christian School's walls. At Nicolás Christian School, Brandon's academic pursuits provide a welcome distraction and a source of pride. He loves psychology and English, and his aspirations soar high—he dreams of becoming a doctor to serve the people of his village. But beyond academics, it is the spiritual guidance and warmth of the school community that has been a balm to his wounded spirit. The teachers and staff, aware of his struggle, offer verses of encouragement from the Bible, fortifying Brandon's resilience and faith. Brandon eats a nutritious breakfast and lunch with other students each day at Nicolás Christian School, fortifying him physically and emotionally for the day. Brandon told us, “Sometimes I talk to teacher Noe and he gives me some advice to have wisdom. There are times when I dedicate myself to reading the Bible. I know that I am strong, and my entire future is in the hands of God.” Brandon's vision for the future is clear, but his path is steeped in challenges that he cannot overcome alone. He carries two heartfelt prayer requests: one is for his mother to find her way back to church, and the second prayer request is for himself, that he might have the intelligence and strength to fulfill his dreams. Brandon's story is a testament to the human spirit's ability to endure and flourish even in the harshest soils. His determination to become a physician and heal others, even as he navigates his own path to personal healing, is an inspiration. We invite you to join us in supporting Brandon on his incredible journey. Please keep him in your prayers and consider how you might contribute to helping Brandon and students like him through Nicolás Fund for Education. Together, we can ensure that Brandon's story is one of triumph and that his dreams are realized. Your support can change lives, one student at a time.
Overcoming Adversity: Pedro Brandon's Journey to Healing & Hope
Kathy Riper Donor Relations
Board Members 2024
Carrie Nordberg Secretary
We stand as advocates for justice & equality for the Mayan Ixil community, a marginalized population in Guatemala that has endured systemic discrimination for over four centuries. Through our work, we aim to lift the families out of generational poverty.
Lolo Levy Treasurer
Heidi Linch Reynolds, Ph.D. Building Design & 10 Talents Chair
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Al Lopus Chair Emeritus
Nicolás Fund For Education (NFE) is a beacon of financial accountability and transparency. We are delighted to share that Candid has recognized our unwavering commitment to integrity and stewardship with a 2024 Platinum Seal of Transparency, positioning NFE in the elite top 0.1% of charities nationwide. This prestigious accolade is a testament to the trust and confidence that our stakeholders have placed in us. We are also a proud member in good standing of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), further cementing our promise to adhere to the highest standards of financial accountability and transparency. Our membership with ECFA assures our donors and partners that we operate with integrity, complying with rigorous standards that exceed basic legal requirements. NFE's financial health, accountability, and transparency have been recognized by Charity Navigator, America’s largest and most utilized independent charity evaluator, with a Three-Star Rating. This designation is a testament to our effective use of donations and provides reassurance to our donors and partners about our commitment to financial transparency. Our commitment to financial transparency is a direct reflection of our values. The NFE Donor Bill of Rights ensures that every supporter has the right to know how their contributions are used and what program outcomes are. It also ensures compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. This commitment fosters trust and confidence among our stakeholders, reinforcing our belief in the biblical principles of integrity and stewardship. By committing to these high standards, NFE assures every donation is utilized efficiently and effectively, maximizing the impact on students' lives in Guatemala. Our practices honor the trust placed in us by our generous donors and reinforce our mission to provide educational opportunities that not only foster the next generation of leaders in Guatemala but also inspire hope and change.
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Paul Selvig Director
Dr. Peter Renn Education Committee Chair
Becci Merritt, R.N. President/Chair
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Attend our monthly online prayer meeting for Nicolás Christian School in Guatemala. Every third Saturday, 8 am PT. Click here: https://bit.ly/Pray4NFE. Witness the power of community prayer in transforming lives!"
JOIN THE NFE VOLUNTEER TEAM Are you looking for a meaningful way to contribute to helping these young students? Do you have a flair for writing, a passion for social media, or a knack for engaging with people? If so, we need you! Our organization is gearing up for an array of exciting activities and we're on the lookout for enthusiastic volunteers to bring their unique skills to our team. Whether you're a wordsmith who could craft compelling stories for our newsletter, a social media wizard who knows how to engage an audience on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, or a charismatic individual who can connect with our kind donors at fundraising events, your time and talents could help us make a real impact. VOLUNTEER BENEFITS By joining our volunteer team, not only will you be helping students reach for their dreams, but you'll also enjoy the flexibility to volunteer as much or as little as your schedule allows. Plus, you'll get the fulfillment that comes from being part of a team dedicated to making a difference. You don't need a cape to be a hero in our community. You just need the willingness to lend a hand—and maybe a pen, a keyboard, or a smile. If you're ready to step up and join us, please reach out today and find out how your generosity can transform lives for these young people. To express your interest or learn more about these exciting opportunities, please contact us at info@nicolasfund.org. We can't wait to welcome you aboard! Visit our Volunteer page at nicolasfund.org/volunteer to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
Volunteer & Make a Difference!