Powering Potential: Shine On!

September 4, 2025

Students headed back to school this week, and so too did teachers. In fact, most teachers went back to school last week—to prep, to plan, to imagine, to make classrooms magical for many this week and this year. It’s what teachers do. The teachers who travelled with us to Guatemala this summer in partnership with the Alberta Teachers’ Association are heading back to their Canadian classrooms to share with their own students the perspectives and connections gained seemingly a world away.

In every school visited, what stood out was the energy as classrooms came alive with laughter and curiosity as students eagerly embraced play-based learning activities—something new for many of them. Whether shaping colorful creations out of playdough, tossing a parachute high above their heads, or practicing English through lively conversation, the students’ enthusiasm was unmistakable. These moments weren’t just fun—they were powerful reminders of the universal joy of learning, and how even simple materials can spark imagination, confidence, and connection.

“Seeing students’ excitement to be out of their desks, playing learning games and trying new activities, was a highlight of the program.”
— D. Dornan

For the visiting teachers, the experience was as much about learning as it was about teaching. Working shoulder to shoulder with Guatemalan educators, they shared strategies, swapped ideas, and drew inspiration from each other’s dedication. Observing classrooms and leading activities underscored the creativity and resilience of teachers working with limited resources yet endless determination. What resonated most was the shared belief that education—whether in Alberta or in Guatemala—has the power to change lives.

The teachers returned not only with photos and stories, but with a renewed sense of purpose. After building friendships in rural Guatemala and witnessing firsthand both the challenges and the resilience of students, these teachers carry back lessons in gratitude, creativity, and global citizenship. Their classrooms here at home will be infused with those experiences—whether through conversations about access to education, reflections on cultural exchange, or projects that spark curiosity about the wider world. In this way, the journey continues: the impact of a summer trip ripples outward, shaping young minds in Canada while standing in solidarity with young learners in Central America.

“I was deeply inspired by the love and dedication Guatemalan teachers pour into their students, despite the limited resources available.”
— A. Crich

Central America and the Caribbean Education Guatemala In The Field Indigenous Peoples