San Rafael

San Rafael Sumatán is a resilient community located 18 kilometers from the municipality of Yepocapa. Formed by families displaced during Guatemala’s Civil War, the community is home to people of diverse ethnic backgrounds, including Mam, Pocomam, Quiché, and Kaqchikel.

Over the years, San Rafael Sumatán has made significant efforts to create opportunities for its members, particularly through education. The community now offers pre-primary, primary, and basic-level (high school) education. However, the pre-primary program lacked its own dedicated space and had to share facilities with the high school, creating scheduling conflicts and limiting the learning environment for young students.

Hug It Forward partnered with the community to support the construction of three new bottle classrooms, designed specifically for pre-primary education. These classrooms give teachers and students a dedicated space to grow, learn, and thrive—free from the limitations of shared facilities.

Hug It Forward is happy to support the educational progress of San Rafael Sumatán and look forward to continuing our partnership with this inspiring community.

Pre School
Population (approximately): 300
Construction Started: May 27, 2024
Classrooms: 3
Bottle School: 150