Ninos del Lago

Hi, I'm Joni Daidone, a longtime friend of Arlaine Cervantes, the Guatemalan NGO Ninos del Lago (NdL) founder, and a current Board Member.

I have been involved with Ninos del Lago since 2007 when I first met Arlaine through a mutual friend who told me about Arlaine's ambitious project – to support the education, health, and self-esteem of vulnerable children in Western Guatemala, near Lake Atitlan. Arlaine was driven to create a safe haven where vulnerable children (7-12) could learn, play, grow, and dream of a better future.

Arlaine brought this ambitious dream to life with the support of friends, family, and visitors to Guatemala and donors from the US and Europe. However, when COVID hit, the original campsite and overnight camps had to stop and then adapt to the changing needs of the children.

Today, Ninos del Lago has transitioned from an overnight camp experience to a life-altering Outside School Development Program focusing on educational support, health, nutrition, and self-esteem working closely with parents, local schools, teachers, and community leaders.

I have had the great privilege and opportunity to visit Guatemala many times over the years and have seen the magic of the Niños del Lago program in action. But I have also seen the challenges faced by our small, hard-working staff, and volunteers in order to continue supporting vulnerable children.

Every time I return from a trip, I am compelled to find a way to tell the story of Ninos del Lago and to do more.

Will you help me build a better future for the children of Guatemala?

My dear friend Arlaine is no longer with us; she sadly passed away too soon three years ago. BUT her dream is very much alive in the joy, motivation, and future dreams of Niños del Lago’s children.

Our Goal is to Raise $20,000 by the end of the Year. This will cover the first four-month period of 2025

$1,000 Covers the cost of supporting one of our 60 children for a year program, including school supplies, books, high-quality tutoring, nutritional meals, basic healthcare, and emotional wellness programs.

$100 Covers the cost of supporting one of our 60 children for one of the ten months the programs run, including school supplies, books, high-quality tutoring, nutritional meals, basic healthcare, and emotional wellness programs.

$50 Covers the cost of supporting one of our 60 children for a month, including school supplies, books, and personalized tutoring.

$30 Covers the cost of nutritional meals and basic healthcare support for one of our children for a month.

$20 Covers the cost of providing emotional wellness programs and inspirational activities for one of our children for a month.

With your help we will further our goal of reaching 60 kids a year and be able to expand and provide this vital support to even more vulnerable children in need. With your help we can!

Thank you for considering a donation to Ninos del Lago – We are hugely grateful for all contributions no matter what size, as every cent helps us nearer to our goal!

Visit our website for more information: www.ninosdellago.com

We are also actively looking for volunteers to advocate and create local groups “Nests” among their friends, family and local communities in order to help raise money once or twice a year.

Please contact us for more information on how you can help us in this vital role. We are always needing volunteers in Guatemala – please contact us to find out what specific skills we need along with a high level of Spanish.

Thank you!