"When I was a boy, there was no school in my community," says Félix Quixtán, now a 66-year-old father of ten and President of the community leadership council (COCODE) in Cruzché III, Santa Cruz del Quiché. "I walked two hours to reach a second-grade classroom. Often, I arrived wet from the rain or faint from hunger."

His mother passed away when he was a child. At seven, he left school and never returned. "My father told me, 'Why study? Better to work and take care of your siblings,'" he recalls. "As a result, I only learned a few letters and numbers. My tools were a hoe, a machete, and a pickaxe."

Despite not completing school himself, Félix has come to understand education’s true value through his own family’s struggles. Seeing how his wife’s lack of literacy affects daily life—from reading medicine labels to helping with homework—he is determined his daughters will have different opportunities. Today, he ensures that all ten of his children—including five daughters—go to school.

With School the World’s support, Félix’s community now has two safe, spacious classrooms, new Code Playground equipment, and a library of colorful books. "Together, we’ve made something possible that we never thought could happen," he says. "We parents barely have enough to eat, let alone build schools. But we can provide our labor and hard work to help."

Félix has seen the impact firsthand: his children are learning, playing, and dreaming in ways he never imagined. School the World has also provided training for Félix, his wife, and other parents in hygiene, homework support, and positive discipline. With the help of local tutors and scholarships, students who once fell behind are now thriving.

When donors from The Boston Club visited his village to help build the new playground, Félix says, “Their visit meant a great deal to us. When they left, we were sad—but deeply grateful for their time and support.”

Fathers Leading Change

Félix represents a growing movement of fathers who are leading their communities with vision, humility, and hope. School the World is proud to partner with parents like him—providing the tools, training, and support they need to build brighter futures for their children.

This Father’s Day, honor the leadership of fathers like Félix—men transforming their communities through education. Your gift helps ensure every child learns, and every father leads.