Letter from Founder/N. McGirr Spring 2026

Things are pretty much coming up roses this year! The beginning of our Guatemalan school year in February is always both an exciting time but also one of getting all our ducks in a row for the upcoming year. Technical and vocational training, helping students grow creatively while developing professional skills was one of the primary goals. I have to tell you that although I have always, always been impressed with our Fotokids staff, the amount of outreach to provide professional training and networking has been amazing and I don’t use that word lightly.

Before I get to that though, I would like to remind you that this is no ordinary year, this is our 35th Anniversary! We will be celebrating our 35th Anniversary in Antigua Guatemala on October 8th with a gala that will include a panel discussion and guided tour. Save the date! Come if you can! I have to add here that Our bi-annual 24 hour funder (appropriately named I hope), Big Day of Giving is on May 7, 2026. This year we have a $30,000 match, so get those donations in early if you wish and let us know that they will be coming in order to be counted.

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Here to celebrate with us last week was the renowned Mexican photographer Graciela Iturbide who generously gave a workshop to the 13 – 14 year-olds in Santiago Atitlán. Graciela was invited to Guatemala and Fotokids at the behest of Harris Whitbeck, an old friend from CNN, and now Minister of Tourism. Showing the students some of her iconic images, she walked them though her thinking and creative process. The interchange between her and each student was inspiring and Graciela graciously interacted with each on a personal basis, signing copies of her work. She also was obligated to pose, not only for individual selfies with every student, but also, the boys group shot with Graciela, the girls alone with Graciela, the staff with Graciela and then one with everyone and Graciela!

Well said, by Executive Director Evelyn Mansilla “We were also honored by the unforgettable visit of Graciela Iturbide in Santiago. She led an intimate and inspiring talk with Level 4 and Level 7 students, as well as staff. Sharing the stories behind her most iconic photographs, she offered both artistic insight and personal reflections. Students had the opportunity to engage directly with her, ask questions, and receive thoughtful advice. It was a deeply enriching experience for everyone involved.”

We look forward to her return in late summer or fall and will not make her pose ad infinitum (well, maybe not…). I could see she genuinely enjoyed teaching. Graciela’s innate, open interest in people is reflected in the power of her photographs. Graciela Iturbide’s Website Here

Speaking with me afterwards, she remarked how impressed she was with the quality of the children’s images. She gave them an assignment to do before her return; mythology. The kids have experimented with Guatemalan mythology in the past, some of which you might recognize.

It was Semana Santa (Easter) time as well, which is a crazy season with the younger kids especially, taking literally a thousand photos each. This photographic enthusiasm is primarily pronounced in Santiago Atitlán where the processions and unique synchronization of Mayan and Catholic traditions go on all week and are so easily accessible. It’s wonderful that they are so prolific, except for the fact the teachers then have an abundance of editing to select out the most successful.

I’m going to put in here an excerpt from our remarkable Executive Director, Evelyn Mansilla’s update to the Fotokids Board, that showcases the professional connections and training that she and the staff have accomplished. I have certainly left the project in the best imaginable hands.

“Our advanced students recently benefited from a workshop led by Sensia Studio, a collective of young women photographers (ages 22–25) who initially connected with us last year and began supporting Fotokids through financial contributions. This year, the partnership has deepened significantly. In addition to sponsoring two full scholarships, Sensia provided a workshop focused on event photography Their first workshop took place in Antigua, where they guided students through practical exercises at the ruins. The session focused on working with models, directing subjects effectively, and managing client relationships—key skills for professional growth. This collaboration is especially valuable as it brings relatable, near-peer mentorship to our students.

In the City, students are actively engaged in client-based assignments. As part of their professional training, they have been photographing professional models for two individual clients: one representing a sportswear line and another for an artisanal chocolate brand. This type of hands-on experience continues to be a cornerstone of our educational model, bridging creativity with real-world application.

Looking ahead, on May 7, we will host a workshop with Daniel Núñez an award-winning nature photographer whose work has recently been exhibited in London. He has gained international recognition for his photography, particularly in documenting biodiversity and environmental narratives. Daniel will work closely with Level 4 students, focusing on nature photography and expanding their technical and storytelling skills in this area. In addition, we have an upcoming meeting with Fundación Ixcanul, founded by renowned Guatemalan filmmaker Jairo Bustamante. The goal of this meeting is to explore potential collaborations between our organizations, particularly in areas where visual storytelling, film, and youth development intersect.”

In February, Fotokids hosted a specialized workshop with a Sony Ambassador connected through Picacia (the professional photography store that has provided outstanding vocational workshops). The workshop focused on the photographer’s use of visual language in his landscape, nature photography, environmental awareness, and storytelling. The workshop was given to the educational staff, Level 7 students and participants in the city’s vocational program.

A Sony Ambassador in Latin America, met with the Fotokids staff and proffered possible support for a Sony Equipment grant which would significantly help with always needed resources.

Evelyn has also met with the administrators of a Guatemalan bank that gives scholarships and she has strong expectations that it may prove successful. As if that wasn’t enough, Fotokids connected through a non-profit with an organization that will provide us with beans, oats, rice and corn meal which will provide monthly food baskets for each participating family, a total of 300 pounds a month!!

And there’s more… Evelyn and Andres our Coordinators in Santiago, were also busy with mother’s parent teachers conferences at the start of the new school year. Both also worked on getting the casita in Santiago ready for our new English teacher, Pam Forrester! She is totally overqualified for the role and we are so lucky to have her. Pam’s first night tested her mettle I imagine, (it would have tested mine!) when an incredible hurricane-type wind whipped through, followed by an historic deluge that led to untold leaks. On top of that, her electric plastic shower heater, (commonly called here, “the widow-maker” exploded, hurling plastic all over the bathroom. Pam is still with us.

Berlin printed up and sent off an exhibit of twenty photographs for Suny Old Westbury on Long Island, at the New York university’s new gallery, Art Lab. Opening April 29th. The good news is that Evelyn and Berlin will be attending the opening inauguration on that date. We are thankful to Gallery Director Hyewon Yi, Tom DelGuidice from the university and Mike Kamber from the Bronx Documentary Center for going out of their way to help make this happen. IF YOU OR FRIENDS ARE IN N.Y., PLEASE COME!!

Santiago Atitlán’s advanced-level group, have been working with real clients in town, designing and branding for local businesses including hairdressers, traditional artisan shops, a shoe store and an Italian restaurant.

Both Andres and Josefa are filming activities for social media to pass on to Rocío. Rocío has been doing a great job of getting out all the social media and monthly updates that you have seen both in your inbox and online via FB, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Let us know if you are not receiving the online monthly update that includes short videos of the kids and their photographs. If you are sponsoring a child you will want to make sure you see this!

And speaking of sponsoring a child, there have been some questions lately. The total cost of an educational and Fotokids vocational scholarship is $1200 a year and we encourage recurring donations of $100 a month through our website. Of course, we are more than grateful to our supporters who can give any amount! Half scholarships are $600. Let us know if you want your donation to help a child’s education or for operational and things that are needed.

Where does the money go we are sometimes asked? The funding goes to employ 14 teachers and assistants for 91 kids, 2 social workers, 1500 lunches, 60 scholarships including University, private bus transport to and from classes, excursions, computers, cameras, security, insurance, accountants, lawyers, school maintenance and 90 Christmas dinner chickens! And since we only have two fundraisers a year, this FUNDER coming up May 7th, is important!

Donate Here

The Design4Kids workshop on Book Lay-Out is planned for June 24- 30th Please consider bringing your talents to this week-long workshop (we help you make a teaching plan if you want). Spanish helpful but we do have translators. We can use designers!! Let us know at info@fotokids.org

Let’s keep this ball rolling! There are a lot of positive activities happening that you can contribute to, and have the satisfaction that it’s something that actually works.

We have a dollar for dollar match leading up to and including May 7th for the first $30,000. You can get your donation in early if you want. If you are sending in a check for that reason before May 7th, let us know at info@fotokids.org

If I see it in our PayPal account, no need to message, we have it!