After a four-year hiatus in international project visits due to the COVID-19 pandemic, JustWorld International brought Ambassadors on an inspiring journey to El Patojismo in Guatemala. The November 7-10 trip, led by El Patojismo founder Juan Pablo Romero Fuentes, delved into Guatemala’s vibrant history, traditions, and cuisine while spotlighting El Patojismo’s transformative impact on childhood education, nutrition, and healthcare.

Over three immersive days, a group of 16 supporters witnessed the remarkable results of JustWorld’s nearly two-decade partnership with El Patojismo, a school that is empowering Guatemala’s next generation of changemakers with the tools and support needed to thrive in and beyond the classroom. This year alone, El Patojismo’s psychology and medical clinics have served over 1,000 students and their families, while its kitchen has provided more than 20,000 nutritious meals. 

“My favorite part of JustWorld is the project trips," shared JustWorld Founder and President Jessica Newman. “It’s during these trips that I get to see the immense progress and changes we’ve made in the lives of thousands of children. To witness and be there alongside our Ambassadors and donors as they experience their first 'aha' moment—when they truly understand why I changed my life and gave up my riding career to do what I do—is indescribable. JustWorld isn’t just about the impact we make on the ground; it’s also about empowering our Ambassadors and donors to create meaningful change within their circles of influence.”

The Ambassador trip started with a celebratory welcome dinner at Antigua’s Casa Troccoli restaurant, where El Patojismo graduates, now thriving as employees, showcased their culinary talents. Of the 25 students in El Patojismo’s graduating class this year, six have secured jobs in local restaurants and cafeterias—a powerful testament to the school’s dedication to providing practical skills that open doors to professional success.

Energized by seeing the impact of Juan Pablo’s vision, the Ambassadors began the next day at El Semillero, El Patojismo’s elementary campus. They immersed themselves in the vibrant school activities, joining students and faculty in crafting clay piggy banks, playing bilingual bingo, art carving, and painting before handing out ice cream treats to students.

A profoundly moving moment followed as Juan Pablo welcomed the Ambassadors into his family home—the birthplace of his vision 20 years ago. Reflecting on the steadfast support of his late mother, María Concepción Fuentes Pérez de Romero, and his father, Magno Rudy Romero Arévalo, Juan Pablo shared the heartfelt story of how his dream took shape, with its start in the family garage. 

“Hard to put into words the experience we all had visiting El Patojismo with JustWorld International,” said Erica Hatfield, trip attendee and owner of Eye Candy Jumpers. “Everyone in [Wellington, Florida] is familiar with the JustWorld Gala—the event of the season to see and be seen! However, I personally had no idea [of] the importance and depth of JustWorld’s work. These past days in Guatemala have been the sort that speak to you and say: You must change your life.”

The day concluded with a visit to Centro de Oportunidades, El Patojismo’s new high school, officially unveiled in 2023. Dedicated to breaking barriers and fostering a sense of belonging for each student, the school offers opportunities from leathermaking and robotics to art, boxing, music production, and a “shark tank” program that invests in dreams. Every inch of the architecture and design is thoughtfully crafted to create an environment where students are empowered to believe that no goal is out of reach. 

“The model that we are presenting to the world means that every little aspect in the public school matters,” Juan Pablo said. “The content matters. The space matters. The design matters. Identity matters. And then, education. If you put all of them together, you have a system that is called El Patojismo.” 

The day also featured meaningful highlights, including Ambassadors purchasing student artwork and the unveiling of a vibrant JustWorld mural.

On the final day of the trip, Ambassadors joined El Patojismo’s sixth-grade graduation ceremony. Jessica Newman and her mother Maria Newman, chair of the JWI Gala Committee and long-time JustWorld supporter, had the honor of presenting diplomas, symbolizing the deep and impactful partnership between JustWorld and El Patojismo. The day concluded with a reflective Circle of Trust exercise that brought everyone closer.

“El Semillero and El Centro de Oportunidades were markedly different institutions, yet they shared a common and admirable trait: the students took genuine pride in attending their schools,” said Sergio Contreras, trip attendee. “There was a palpable sense of joy and camaraderie among the children, and rather than seeking pity or evoking sympathy, they radiated confidence and enthusiasm. They were eager to showcase their schools’ curricula, which, to my surprise, rivaled certain aspects of education in the United States. It is disheartening, however, that what is considered ‘advanced’ education within their community reflects the disparities in global educational standards. These children should not be subjected to lower expectations simply because they live in an underprivileged country. Their potential deserves the same recognition and opportunities as any other.”

At a time when 41% of Guatemala’s teenagers are out of school, El Patojismo stands as a testament to what’s possible when communities unite to uplift society’s most vulnerable. With the steadfast support of JustWorld ambassadors, donors, and sponsors, this remarkable school has grown into a thriving hub of hope and opportunity. In 2023 alone, it empowered over 300 students—opening doors to brighter futures, inspiring dreams, and creating a lasting impact.

“The progress we’ve been able to make together thanks to Juan Pablo and his vision, his team, and everybody that’s a part of it––it’s amazing,” Jessica Newman said. “JustWorld wouldn’t be what it is without our four international projects, and El Patojismo is a shining example of what happens when you join forces and magic is made.” 

For those passionate about advancing El Patojismo’s incredible work, the upcoming 22nd Annual JustWorld International Gala offers a pivotal opportunity. Set for Sunday, January 19, 2025, at Belle Herbe Farm in Wellington, Florida, this marquee fundraising event will benefit not only El Patojismo but JustWorld’s life-changing projects in Cambodia, Honduras, and the United States. By coming together, we can continue championing children’s rights to education, healthcare, and nutrition—making a lasting difference in their lives and communities.

Do you know anyone who would make a good Ambassador?

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Established in 2003, JustWorld International was created to connect equestrians with a direct way to help fracture the cycle of poverty through education, healthcare, nutrition, and leadership programs benefiting children around the world. Ambassadors from more than forty countries have since committed to “Ride for the Cause” and transform the lives of children through equestrian sport. JustWorld has united the international equestrian community and become the Official Charity Partner of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the world governing body of equestrian sport. Envisioning a more just world, the non-profit organization cultivates strategic, project partnerships in a collaborative approach to impact the lives of nearly 10,000 children around the globe annually.

To donate, become an Ambassador, or learn more about JustWorld, please visit www.justworldinternational.org or @justworldinternational on Facebook and Instagram.

JustWorld International is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in the United States and tax-deductible donations are accepted in the United States. JustWorld International has no political or religious affiliation.

El Patojismo was founded in 2006 by CNN Hero Juan Pablo Romero Fuentes, who envisioned a future free from violence, drugs, and poverty for the children of Jocotenango, Guatemala. At just 23, Romero Fuentes transformed his family’s garage into a school with the help of a few dedicated volunteers. In 2008, he partnered with JustWorld International Founder Jessica Newman and Guatemalan Olympic Show Jumper Juan Andres Rodriguez to create Los Patojos (“The Little Ones”). What began as a small initiative has since grown into El Patojismo, an accredited K-12 educational institution with two campuses. In 2023, El Patojismo expanded to include the Centro de Oportunidades (CDO), an innovative vocational school offering academic and technical training. Beyond education, El Patojismo provides essential services, including nutrition programs, a community medical clinic, and art, music, and cultural development programs.