Our Story

“Children with Blessing" was created in 2006, by Lesbi Chavez and her husband Juventino, so that children from their village of  San Antonio Aguas Calientes could receive a quality education, while strengthening their own cultural and familial ties. Lesbi and Tino's dedication to the children is infectious, and many people from a diverse set of backgrounds now support the project and volunteer their time. They created this group out of their deep spiritual belief, coming, as they say, as a dream from God. This unique cultural and educational program empowers children to appreciate and transform their lives.

The program began as an after-school program in which children learned traditional dance and marimba and performed for visitors. It has grown to be so much more due to the generosity of sponsors, donors, and the hard work of Lesbi and Tino. The program raises money for children to attend school. Currently over 30 children are supported. 

One child is in preschool, 15 are in primaria (primary school), 5 in basico (equivalent to middle school), 9 in carrera (secondary school with technical training) and 4 completing or currently in university!

Lesbi and Tino have built a beautiful center that houses the program, have created a garden project, a library open to anyone in town, and are currently raising funds for computers for the library, which is available to all the children in the community.

The children still perform for visitors to the program, as well as at various venues in the Antigua area. At the end of each performance, they invite the audience to dance a simple dance with them. If the performance is at Lesbi and Tino’s  home, where the program takes place, visitors are invited to help make corn tortillas, and everyone eats together. The children enjoy helping and watching everyone attempt to make tortillas (it is harder than it looks)! 

They also have a small shop with a variety of handmade Guatemalan goods for purchase. These items include beautiful weavings, clothing, jewelry, bags, frames made by Tino and calendars with photos of the children in the group. These sales help with the running of the program, and any extra expenses they incur. 

If you would like to visit on your next trip to San Antonio Aguas Calientes, you can contact Lesbi and Tino at childrenwithblessing@gmail.com.