ANNUAL REPORT 2024

 
 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Christian Baillet (chair)

Michael Lawrence

Jessica Newman

Daniel O’Connor

Evan Lefsky

Francois Besencon

Milena Pappas

 

OUR MISSION

JustWorld is a not-for-profit organization that transforms the lives of children in impoverished communities around the world through education.

For over 20 years, JWI has cultivated strategic project partnerships in a collaborative approach to deliver education, healthcare and nutrition programs to children around the world. In 2024, JustWorld impacted thousands of students globally and engaged hundreds of equestrians in youth philanthropy directly benefiting the children served throughout Cambodia, Guatemala, Honduras and the United States.

In 2024, JustWorld continued to support its Global Projects as they grow and serve their communities. The organization also fully returned to pre-pandemic activities, including Ambassador trips to Global Projects and a revamped Ambassador program.

Education on Wheels Expansion Project, Honduras 

The Fédération Equestre International (FEI) funded an expansion of JustWorld International’s partner project Asociación Compartir, whose “Education on Wheels” mobile literacy program brings education and cultural development to children in remote regions of Honduras.

A $50,000 grant for 2023-24 enabled an expansion into the San Antonio de Oriente region, where communities were hit particularly hard during the Covid pandemic, resulting in high absenteeism rates and low literacy skills. With only a quarter of the population under the age of 15 having access to the internet for educational purposes, the pandemic was catastrophic for school-aged children. This came on top of ongoing challenges to the educational infrastructure, especially in rural areas, where there is often a lack of drinking water and electricity in schools. In many cases, hurricanes completely destroyed schools, leaving many children without a way to study and forcing them to drop out and take to the streets in search of food and work. 

The FEI grant worked in concert with support from the Honduran Equestrian Federation and the international equestrian community to serve an additional 2,635 children in 20 new communities. Combined with JustWorld’s work already underway with Asociación Compartir, more than 5,635 children were impacted in 2023-24.

Thanks to the FEI expansion program, students who might not have had access to any education were able to learn and strengthen essential literacy skills. They received food that was often their only nourishment of the day and were exposed to the arts and cultural enrichments. Additionally, teachers learned new methodologies for enhancing their students’ skills. These engaging activities, access to books, and teacher training helped to break the cycle of poverty for families and communities.

The Honduran Equestrian Federation also supported the program expansion, along with 17 JustWorld Ambassadors helping to fundraise, provide visibility, and share the mission. Individual donors within the international equestrian community enabled the purchase of a new truck, a 4x4 double-cabin vehicle to facilitate book distribution in remote areas.

The People Improvement Organization in Phnom Penh, Cambodia,

served over 800 children daily with education, food, healthcare, clean water, shelter and vocational training across all grade levels. Ten girls embarked on a training program at Genius Resort funded by a grant to the Cambodian Equestrian Federation from Fédération Equestre Internationale Solidarity to learn horse care and facility management for a career in the equestrian world. Two of the students continue to work in the industry and have a chance to be considered for the 2025 national team.

2024 Highlights

  • 519 primary school students

  • 348 secondary school students

  • 90% attendance rate

  • 645 fluoride treatments and screenings

  • GRADE 12: 92% pass rate (national average 79%)

At El Patojismo

El Patojismo’s elementary school El Semillero and high school Centro de Oportunidades provided education for more than 500 children and adolescents, addressing medical and nutritional needs and exposing the students to arts and sports. In a country where only 40% of students complete sixth grade and often face violence, alcoholism, drug addiction and poverty, El Patojismo in Jocotenango, Guatemala, is offering a safe place with loving teachers who can show children a path to finding their passions.

2024 Highlights
• Provided 789 mental health visits
• Treated 223 patients in the medical clinic
• Served 8,152 breakfasts and 11,877 lunches
• Graduated 25 students, with 6 already employed, 2 working in their own businesses started with El Patojismo’s Shark Tank, and 3 beginning university studies
• Taught 164 elementary school students at El Semillero
• Educated 137 students at CDO
• Earned first place in mathematics competition
• Won victories in soccer, basketball, volleyball and swimming

At Storybook Treasures in Belle Glade and Pahokee, Florida: Every prekindergarten through third grade student at Pioneer Park and Pahokee elementary schools received five StoryBook Treasures packs, containing high-quality books, treasures and materials to foster a love of reading. At the end of the year, the Florida Department of Education school report card increased from a D to a C at Pioneer Park and from a C to a B at Pahokee.

2024 HIGHLIGHTS

  • 326 students received literacy kits at Pioneer Park Elementary School

  • 307 students received literacy kits at Pahokee Elementary School

  • 30 teachers and 13 support specialists received professional development

At Asociación Compartir:

The 2024 Reading and Culture Promotion project supported by JustWorld International brought reading, art and culture to the children and young people in the communities of Nueva Suyapa, Los Pinos and Villa Nueva, Honduras.
The work exposed more students to art, developing skills that allow them to grow as humans. Artistic groups participated in community fairs and festivals, filling each event with joy.
The Mobile Library brought access to literature with playful methodologies
for learning, contributing to the right to education and strengthening reading habits. In each session, a nutritious snack was provided to participating children.
Asociación Compartir believes in the importance of promoting the right to education as a fundamental basis for the development of Honduras, ensuring the inclusion of everyone. Through reading, art and culture, the children strengthen skills that provide meaningful learning to aid their comprehensive development.

2024 HIGHLIGHTS:

  • 2,000 participants were served by the mobile library in 7 public squares and 10 educational centers without access to school libraries

  • 289 children attended artistic workshops

  • 90 teachers across 20 schools assisted children with activities to

    strengthen their love of reading

  • 18 young people promoted the Network of Child and Youth

    Communicators, learning to use communication to raise awareness

JUSTWORLD SUPPORT

JustWorld thanks all of its generous supporters for making our work possible.

 In addition to the projects it serves, in 2024 JustWorld International:

KICKED OFF THE YEAR WITH “A NIGHT IN PARIS”, A RECORD-BREAKING GALA

With a tribute toward the 2024 Olympic Games, the 21st annual gala on January 26 drew equestrians from all over the world for the premier social event of the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida.

Generous sponsors like Caryl Philips and Frank Zeiss, the Rein family, Belle Herbe Farm, Voltaire and hundreds of other equestrians raised record- breaking funds for the JustWorld Global Projects in Cambodia, Honduras, Guatemala and Florida.

Jessica Newman, founder and President, kicked off the evening and presented the gala’s honorees: long- time supporters Mike Lawrence, Matt Morrissey, Pedro Cebulka and Corinne Sweeney.

Mark Samuel, FEI Vice President and member of JustWorld’s Advisory Committee, spoke about JWI’s partnerships with international equestrian federations and the successful matching campaign in the fall of 2023 to expand the Education on Wheels program in Honduras, reaching 20 new communities and 5,600 children.

Gala emcee Steven Wilde and auctioneer Justin Paul kept the enthusiasm high throughout the evening with a banner live auction, including a surprise addition from Kevin Babington, who donated lessons to the many other opportunities, including a luxury experience in France, a custom jump depicting the Eiffel Tower, a lesson and lunch with Olympians Laura Kraut and Nick Skelton, and a Costa Rica eco- adventure getaway.

By the end of the evening, the future was looking brighter for the children served by JustWorld thanks to the generosity of the equestrian community. As Samuel said in his speech, “It’s amazing to witness firsthand...the transformative impact of JustWorld on the community, not only on the children themselves but on their entire families and in some cases the entire community,” adding that JustWorld helps the children “not only to survive but to thrive and become leaders in their countries.”

RELAUNCHED THE AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

JustWorld’s famous Ambassador program got a makeover in 2024, relaunching in January to offer participants a more interactive experience, complete with challenges, points and awards for engagement.

Close to 100 Ambassadors have signed up in the new system, generously offering monthly
donations to advance JustWorld’s work and pledging to #RideForTheCause. From officials like Gerry Kuh and Phil Rozon to our youngest Ambassadors, 6-year- old pony riders, to professionals around the world like Nina Mallevaey of France and Rodney Tulloch of Canada, to amateur riders like Eva Muller of Switzerland, junior dressage stars like North American Youth champion Virginia Woodcock, all have united to work toward one cause: a more just world.

Highlights of the program include a new online store offering JWI merchandise, a free hat for all Ambassadors fully enrolled, and recognition on social media of all new Ambassadors, plus more opportunities than ever to get involved, attend events, and make lifelong friends and connections–all while working for a great cause.

HOSTED A LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM AT WELLINGTON INTERNATIONAL

Youth Ambassadors in Florida participated in JustWorld’s Leadership Development Program, which was held at Wellington International showgrounds once a week throughout February.

The activities included a panel discussion offering insight from Olympic dressage competitor Ashley Holzer, judge Sissy Wickes, and course designer Leopoldo Palacios. Ambassadors also heard directly from El Patojismo founder Juan Pablo Romero Fuentes, who offered an inspiring speech about how and why he began a project that grew far beyond his initial imaginings.

Ambassadors had the opportunity for hands-on involvement packing a literacy kit for Storybook Treasures, seeing what goes into each bag and learning from SBT founder Denise

Corbo how each element contributes to the success of the program. At the culmination of the series, five Ambassadors participated in an Adopt-A-Project activation, selecting to send funds to three of the four projects, thanks to a grant from the Great Charity Challenge.

Ambassadors asked thoughtful questions as they enjoyed inspiring speakers and events through the Leadership Development Program, setting them up to thrive as the new generation of philanthropists.

DELIVERED MONTHLY COMMUNICATIONS

Starting in March, JustWorld Ambassadors, supporters and friends received monthly newsletters updating them on the work being done at the Global Projects, the recruitment of new Ambassadors, horse show partnerships and programs offered by JWI.

VISITED PIONEER PARK ELEMENTARY–WITH A HORSE!

On March 4, JustWorld International, in partnership with Rodriguez Equestrian, StoryBook Treasures, and Belle Herbe Farm, brought the magic of horses to Pioneer Park Elementary in Belle Glade, Florida. This elementary school is one of two Title 1 schools JustWorld supports in Florida through collaboration with StoryBook Treasures.

For many students, the day was filled with exciting firsts—including their first time seeing and petting a live horse up close. Matrix, a stunning gray gelding owned by Maria Newman, became the star of the day, captivating students. Olympian Juan Andres Rodriguez led mounted demonstrations, teaching students about horse care, gaits, and speed, and students followed up with creative questions.

Juan Andres, accompanied by his daughters Ana Cristina and Ana Sofia, was among the 25 JustWorld Ambassadors and supporters who created an unforgettable experience for the students. StoryBook Treasures Founder Denise Corbo read Everything Horses and Ponies to first-grade students, who each received their own copy to take home. JustWorld Ambassadors and supporters then facilitated small reading groups, linking the students’ experiences with Matrix to the themes of their new books. The moment beautifully blended literacy with hands-on learning, inspiring curiosity and confidence among students.

Since JustWorld and StoryBook Treasures began their partnership with Pioneer Park Elementary in 2018, third-grade reading proficiency has nearly doubled, rising from 23.9% to 47.9%. By 2022, the school had achieved the No. 1 ranking in Palm Beach County for English Language Arts gains, with 80 percent of students making significant gains.

RODE FOR THE CAUSE AT HORSE SHOWS

JustWorld Ambassadors shared the mission with equestrians through partnerships with horse shows like Fontainebleau, France; Hagen Future Champions, Germany; LGCT Miami, and LGCT Rome; and Traverse City Horse Shows, Michigan.

At LGCT Miami, Olympian Laura Kraut and Zara Boyd represented JustWorld on the world stage. “I really do care about giving back to people,” Zara said. “The idea of JustWorld was amazing to me. When you join a sport like this, and you’re surrounded by events like this, it’s really important to remember that the money that goes into these sorts of events could also do a lot for other people. And it’s important to recognize how you can help others.”

While Laura keeps busy training students and competing on the sport’s international calendar, she remains one of JustWorld’s most dedicated and committed Ambassadors. Her son, Bobby, has also supported JustWorld through fundraising and event volunteering.

“I’ve always been passionate about JustWorld,” Laura said. “I’m super enthusiastic about the work they do with children because, obviously, they need the support from all of us around the world.”

OFFERED ADOPT-A-PROJECTS AT YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS

JustWorld International brought its Adopt-A-Project initiative to three premier youth equestrian championships: Le Printemps des Sports Equestres in Fontainebleau, France; Hagen Future Champions in Germany, and the FEI North American Youth Championships (NAYC) in Michigan. These programs inspired young athletes to merge their competitive spirit with philanthropy, fostering a culture of empathy and giving among equestrians.

At Fontainebleau (April 22–28), riders participating in the Adopt-A-Project activations directed over €5,000 to support education, nutrition, and healthcare programs in Cambodia, Guatemala, and Honduras. JustWorld Ambassadors Olympe Virag, who won the Grand Prix Amateur Gold Tour, and Olympian Kevin Staut played pivotal roles in promoting the organization’s mission, inspiring riders to look beyond the arena and contribute to meaningful change.

“We are athletes, really trying to give the maximum to be successful, but also on the side we can be really supportive of organizations like JustWorld,” Kevin said. “I want to show that it’s really possible to be successful and at the same time really open to important things in the world.”

At Hagen Future Champions (June 12–16), riders from across Europe thoughtfully assessed critical priorities such as access to education, essential medical supplies, and proper nutrition. With the backing of Hof Kasselmann, P.S.I. Events, and the Rein family, riders allocated funds to provide nutritious meals for students at El Patojismo in Guatemala and fuel for the Asociación Compartir truck in Honduras, enabling education to reach remote villages. Longtime Ambassador Pedro Cebulka played a pivotal role in the event’s success, organizing lesson packages for the event’s auction with Olympic gold medalist show jumper Ludger Beerbaum and top-10 world-ranked dressage rider Frederic Wandres, to raise over €11,000 for JustWorld’s mission. Ambassadors Louise Ameeuw and Imke Pacheco also amplified the cause—Louise with her remarkable podium finishes and Imke, alongside her children Enzo and Malou, through her on-site presence and support.

At NAYC (July 30–August 4), JustWorld partnered with Traverse City Horse Shows to engage medal-winning teams in philanthropy to meet critical needs at JustWorld partner projects. Participants like JustWorld Ambassador Sofia Popescu and Canada’s Pre-Junior Jumping Team demonstrated their commitment to philanthropy by choosing to provide a month of nutritious meals for 250 students at El Patojismo in Guatemala. Generous support from the Morrissey family and Traverse City Horse Shows amplified the initiative’s reach, reinforcing the natural partnership between NAYC and JustWorld. Additionally, a golf scramble held at Lochenheath Golf Club before the start of NAYC raised more than $11,000 for JWI!

The collective efforts of JustWorld Ambassadors, donors, and supporters at these events emphasized the power of combining sport with social responsibility. By showcasing their commitment to improving lives in underserved communities, participants inspired the next generation to use their platforms for good.

HOSTED EDUCATIONAL WEBINARS

JustWorld International hosted two impactful webinars addressing our Ambassadors’ interests in top-level equestrian sport and the mental side of sports.

In July, multimedia sports journalist and JustWorld supporter Catie Stazak offered exclusive insights into the Paris Olympic Games as the official NBC Olympics equestrian statistician. Catie highlighted key athletes to watch, the invaluable contributions of behind-the-scenes teams, and compelling storylines that included Olympian and longtime JustWorld Ambassador Laura Kraut. Competing in her fourth Olympic Games, Laura played a key role in securing a silver medal for the U.S. team alongside McLain Ward, Kent Farrington, and Karl Cook.

In October, equestrian mental coach Annette Paterakis led our most highly attended webinar to date, focusing on the mental skills essential for success in and out of the saddle. Participants explored techniques for staying present, building confidence, and trusting the process—tools they could immediately apply to their riding and beyond.

REPRESENTED AT PARIS OLYMPICS

JustWorld had representation in the ring at Versailles, on the medal podium, in the announcers’ booth and from FEI leadership at the biggest stage for equestrian sports this year at the Paris Olympic Games.

JustWorld Ambassador Laura Kraut helped the U.S. team earn a silver medal in jumping, riding Baloutinue to her third Olympic medal and becoming the oldest U.S. medalist in 72 years. Ambassador Chris von Martels of Canada represented JWI in Olympic dressage, and Abdullah Al Marri competed for UAE in show jumping.

JWI also had FEI Vice Presidents Mark Samuel and Jack Huang on the ground, along with JWI founder and President Jessica Newman, and all of the Olympic commentators (Alison Drummond, Steven Wilde and Yannick Bichon) represent JWI.

HOSTED INTERNATIONAL AMBASSADOR TRIP TO EL PATOJISMO IN GUATEMALA

After a four-year pause in international project visits due to the COVID-19 pandemic, JustWorld International returned to Guatemala for an inspiring visit to the El Patojismo project. From November 7–10, sixteen dedicated Ambassadors witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of JustWorld’s nearly two-decade partnership with the school, which continues to empower children through education, healthcare, and nutrition.

The trip started with a warm welcome dinner at Antigua’s Casa Troccoli, where Ambassadors enjoyed a meal crafted with the help of El Patojismo program graduates. Day 2 brought an immersive experience at El Semillero and Centro de Oportunidades, El Patojismo’s elementary and high schools. Ambassadors stepped into the students’ shoes, joining them in activities like arts and crafts and bilingual bingo. The day culminated in two unforgettable moments: a hands-on cooking class to prepare Rellenitos de Plátano, a beloved Guatemalan dessert, followed by a tranquil rooftop yoga session against the backdrop of the majestic Volcán de Agua.

On the final day, Ambassadors attended El Patojismo’s sixth-grade graduation, where Jessica Newman and
her mother, Maria Newman, JustWorld supporter and Chair of the JWI Gala Committee, presented diplomas to graduates. The day concluded with a reflective Circle of Trust exercise and the unveiling of a JustWorld mural—a symbol of hope and partnership.

Under the visionary leadership of founder Juan Pablo Romero Fuentes, El Patojismo exemplifies a holistic model of education that empowers students to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

JOIN US IN OUR WORK!

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Ride For The Cause. Become an Ambassador and support JustWorld by sharing its mission, raising funds, and volunteering.

Attend JWI events. Join us for our biggest fundraiser of the year, the JustWorld Annual Gala, each winter, or attend our Leadership Development Program, project visits or other events.

Donate. JustWorld is platinum rated on GuideStar and received an Encompass 100/100 rating from Charity Navigator.

Start your own online fundraiser. Raising support and awareness on behalf of JustWorld is an incredible way to assist in our efforts.

Follow us on social media, and share our content. Help us get the word out about the ways we are fracturing the cycle of poverty.

We welcome corporate philanthropy partners and charitable bequests. For more information, please contact Elena Corsano, Executive Director.