During Gesundheit's March 2016 Alternative to Spring Break Humanitarian Clown Mission to Guatemala, twenty clowns visited hospitals, psychiatric facilities for adults and children, special needs and neurological facilities, the Ronald McDonald House, and two community centers.

On day two of the trip, the clown bus stopped on a narrow road in the steeply sloping hillside community of San Bartolome. The group was at The Backyard School. Founded by Iris Santander and her family, The Backyard School started as a simple classroom built in the family's yard. Iris and her family are strong community leaders who wanted a safe place for local children to gather after school, as well as weekends, and school breaks. The Backyard School hosts a series of after school activities including arts and crafts, bible studies, principles and values class, and tutoring. Iris has also developed volunteer programs assisting mothers who have been victims of domestic violence.

Thanks to community leaders, donors, and the work of missionaries, the first floor of the current structure was built in 2015. But the current structure is a basic one that is unable to sufficiently accommodate the growing programs. Nearly 300 people, mostly children, came to play with our clowning group! Gesundheit!, through our Global Outreach clowning service, has a long history of support for grassroots projects around the world--Russia, Armenia, El Salvador, Peru, Cambodia, and now Guatemala. Please help us provide support for the next phase of The Backyard School.

Our goal is to present The Backyard School Director, Iris Santander, with $50,000 to complete the second and third floors of the center, including electrical and plumbing needs, as soon as July 2016. We can do it with your support!