Donations in Central America Will Benefit More Than 18,000 Students

Throughout July 2025, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated furniture and teaching supplies to preschools, primary schools and secondary schools in Central America. Together, the donations will benefit more than 18,000 students in 425 schools, creating more productive learning environments.

Desks for students and teachers, blackboards, preschool tables, chairs and other supplies were delivered to schools in Darien, Panama; Retalhuleu, Guatemala; and Escuintla, Guatemala. In each country, the Church coordinates with the Ministry of Education.

Volunteers, Church officials, teachers and students attended delivery ceremonies in each area that received donations.

Elder Ryan K. Olsen, a member of the Church’s Central America Area Presidency, attended the donation ceremony in Panama.

“We do this because we believe in the power of education, in the value of every student as a child of God, and in the duty we all have to serve others,” he said.

Rony Estuardo Estrada, president of the San Felipe Guatemala Stake, said, “We deeply recognize and value the work of the public education system in Guatemala, as well as the daily efforts of its teachers, principals and authorities. We are honored to collaborate with you in the noble task of educating future generations.”

Mara Judith Landaverde, Departmental Director of Education, attended the donation ceremony in Retalhuleu. “We express our most sincere and profound gratitude to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for the generous donation of school furniture. Their support demonstrates their commitment to the well-being of the community, and it fills us with hope to know that we have their solidarity,” said Landaverde.

The various donations represent the Church’s commitment to education and support the learning and well-being of children and young people around the world.