What is Chains for Change?
Empowering Rural Guatemalan Youth Through Bikes
Chains for Change is a non-profit organization that provides bikes to kids in rural Guatemala, enabling them to access education and break the cycle of poverty. Your donations help these children travel to attend night school, giving them the opportunity to gain an education - the key to a brighter future.
WHy GUatemala?
Poverty Rates
Graduation Rates
Poverty Rates
Guatemala is one of the most poverty stricken countries in Latin America with a poverty rate over 55%. Guatemala has the second highest poverty rate in all of the Americas. Additionally Guatemalas malnutrition rate is among the 10 highest in the world.
Inequality
Graduation Rates
Poverty Rates
79% of indigenous Guatemalans live in poverty and have limited access to basic programs and infrastructure such as education. During Guatemalas civil war, over 200,000 Guatemalans were killed or forcibly disappeared from 1960-1996. Of those victims identified in the U.N, 83% were indigenous Maya. 93% of these human rights violations were carried out by government forces.
Graduation Rates
Graduation Rates
Graduation Rates
90% of Guatemalans living in poverty never graduate from high school. This adds up to about 50% of the Guatemalan population. Many kids drop out of school prematurely in order to generate an income for their family. Many education systems in Guatemala are not at levels that can teach valuable education to its students which can also lead to high drop out rates.
Guatemala's Past
Graduation Rates
Graduation Rates
Guatemala has been struggling with corruption within their government systems for decades. With the combination between corruption and impacts of the devastating civil war it has taken a huge toll on infrastructure, economic growth, and individual communities as well.
More about Chains for Change
Current Projects
In 2025 Chains for Change will be providing chromebooks to a school in Santiago Atitlan. Last year we provided bikes to this school and while visiting, it was brought to our attention that the school lacks the access to learning opportunities online that they need for their students to effectively learn. With chromebooks, kids can unlock many online learning opportunities such as Duolingo, Khan Academy, and all google apps/platforms.
Volunteer Opportunities
Chains4Change does offer hands on volunteer experiences through service trips to Guatemala. The trip is designed to work hands on with the schools Chains4Change partners with. Additionally, all expenses for the trip not used on amenities are used as fundraising. During our trip we will hit the ground running, spending a few days in the Lake Atitlan area working with various schools and delivering bikes. After we have finished our work, we will head to Antigua to enjoy a day or two full of volcano ATV-ing, hiking, and exploring the beautiful town. The all inclusive trip includes hotel stays, transportation, activities and a T-shirt. The price per person on our 5 day trip is $1300. There is a minimum of 5 people and cap at 10 people.
Meet Marvin
Meet Marvin, a bike mechanic from Panajachel, Guatemala. Marvin receives and assembles the bikes for Chains4Change. Additionally Marvin helps choose the bike that makes the most sense for each school and student that we partner with.
Sponsor a student
Chromebook
Bike Supplies
Chromebook
If you donate $250 you can purchase a chromebook for a student. These chromebooks would stay in the school but be used by the students while they are in class.
Bike
Bike Supplies
Chromebook
By donating $350 you can buy a bike for a student. There are currently 11 students needing a bike to be able to attend school. These bikes are bought in Guatemala, through Marvins bike shop, BikePower.
Bike Supplies
Bike Supplies
Bike Supplies
If you donate $50 you can buy a student a helmet, bike lock, and bike light. The students will be traveling at night, meaning a light is necessary to ensure of their safety.
Capturing Our Mission: A Photo Story of Chains for Change
