A brief history of the Maria de Mattias Education Insitute in Aldea Labor Vieja, Guatemala, presented by Sister Kris Schrader, ASC. In 2013 the Education Institute celebrated 25 years. The Institute began to function in 1989.

1. The Maria De Mattias Education
Institute
Aldea Labor Vieja, Guatemala

2. The Early Days
The Maria De Mattias Education Institue is a high
school institution
located in a rural area of Guatemala. The
Institute celebrated its 25th
anniversary in May, 2013, having grown from
23 students and 3
teachers in 1989, to 400 students from fourteen
communities and 14
staff members, eight of whom are
graduates!
A town committee was formed in
1988 to look in to the possibility of
establishing a cooperative High School.
Young people from the area had no
real possibilities of continuing their
studies after 6th grade because of the
distance they would need to travel or
the economic strain it would place on
the family.
The school began to operate in 1989
with one classroom, first year Basico of
a three year program, in the town hall.
Meanwhile, a donation from the
Adorers of the Blood of Christ, a
religious congregation of Catholic
Sisters, made it possible to buy land
for the future site of the Institute.

3. Students brought in building materials and helped
clear the land and dig the ditches.

4. 1991
We began the new
adventure of being in
our own buildings, on
our own land, with 3
classrooms built and
the probability of
more on the horizon.
Kids were delighted to
have an individual
desk.

5. First a basketball court, and then a
roof!
1993

6. From 1 computer, to old, old
computers, to a real computer lab!
1999 2009

7. From 120 books to a real library! And
still improving.
2008 2012

8. SO WHO ARE WE REALLY?

9. It’s all about the
kids
We work with
youth ages 11-20
but also with
primary students
from local grade
schools who are
faithful library
patrons.

10. This is who we say we are
• An institution committed to transforming the
reality of our communities.

11. • Connecting and collaborating
with other education centers of
this sector.

12. • Walking with and alongside
the youth as we offer a global
education/perspective

13. • Involving families in the formation of young women and men
who are capable of confronting their reality, analyzing it and
acting in accord with Christian values.
Parent involvement is key. Continuing education for parents is a
priority.

16. We are most proud…
 92% of our graduates continue their studies. (the national
average is 29%)
 8 of our current staff are graduates of the Institute
 In each of the last 3 years, some of our graduates have won
full scholarships to the prestigious American school in
Guatemala City (only 25 are awarded annually)
 While the majority of our students are from poor situations,
100% participate in quarterly food drives for the most needy
families from the local communities.
 Students are aware of unjust realities in the country and look
for ways to actively support non-violent resistance efforts.

22. Dad, Anastasia, Meg, Eric, Mary Simpson, Joan M., Paul Aumen, Bob,

23. THANKS FOR YOUR
GIVING SPIRITS
I have been blessed to call
Guatemala home for the past
25 years. The school and
growth of all the programs
could not have happened
without your care and
committed interest. As I
reflect on the slide show I’m
a bit overwhelmed. I always
meant to write a book, but
maybe this is the living story.
I’m glad you are a part of it.
-Sister Kris Schrader, ASC

24. For more information about the school or the
work we do here in Guatemala
E- mail: krisschrader@hotmail.com
Facebook: Kris Schrader
U.S. address 4233 Sulphur Ave. St.Louis, MO 63109
Our congregation web site: www.adorers.org