We Are Instituto Puente
Since 2015, Instituto Puente has worked to guarantee quality secondary education in rural Guatemala. We began in Punta Brava, Izabal, where families, teachers, and young people transformed an abandoned community hall into an inspiring educational center.
Today, we are expanding our Sa’ Komonil model (“working together”) to more communities, building sustainable schools with local materials and the active participation of families, leaders, and government.
The Sa’Komonil Model: Education Built Together
Sa’ komonil is a Q’eqchi’ expression meaning “among everyone” or “working together.” Inspired by Indigenous traditions of autonomy and collective work, our educational model promotes active participation and shared responsibility among six actors: students, teachers, families, community, state institutions, and national and international support networks.
In practice, the model combines three interconnected components:
Participatory Governance
Students, families, and community leaders co‑manage the school through assemblies and shared decision‑making. Teachers are committed to continuous improvement, resources are pooled across communities, and the environment is safe, inspiring, and accountable.
Community‑Based Learning
The curriculum responds to local context and uses active methodologies. Students learn in three languages (Spanish, Q’eqchi’, English), develop scientific and technical skills, and participate in arts, sports, and entrepreneurship—all while valuing the knowledge they bring from home.
Support Ecosystem
We provide sustainable infrastructure (bamboo, stone, rainwater systems), appropriate equipment, and safe transportation between communities. Alliances with government, businesses, and donors ensure materials, psychological support, and vocational guidance are available to every student.
Why Your Support Matters
100+
young people graduated from basic cycle
56%
of graduates are women
50%
continue to diversified education (national average 24%)
200+
community members trained in technical skills
We construct schools with communities, not for them, families and students take part in construction, maintenance, and decisions that shape their own learning spaces. And we do it sustainably, using local, eco‑friendly materials like bamboo and stone, designed to withstand climate challenges and endure for generations.
The People Behind the Bridge
Our work is led by a dedicated team of educators, community leaders, and professionals who believe in collective action. We are supported by teachers from the communities, volunteer architects, and a network of advisors committed to educational justice. Together, we make the Sa’ Komonil model a reality.