Light and Life School of Salquil

Light and Life is a private institution dedicated to providing a bilingual (Ixil/Spanish) education rooted in Christian principles, respect for Ixil culture, and community solidarity. Vision: To be a protagonist in the development of quality education for childhood and youth and to generate strategies that improve the population’s quality of life.


--Our Story--

In 2004 a group of teachers from

Salquil (closest city: Nebaj) and Wycliffe Literacy Specialist, Sharon Rosenwald, opened a school with the goal of training the future leaders of the country they loved. They founded the school on Christian principles, respect for Ixil culture, community solidarity, and bilingual teaching–it is the only school in the highlands where students learn both in their mother tongue, Ixil, and in the national language of Guatemala, Spanish. Each grade is taught by a certified teacher, several of whom are continuing their own education while working full time at the school. Biblical teaching is incorporated into the academic curriculum and through practical efforts such as taking care of the school garden and recycling projects. The teachers are dedicated to continually develop and improve the school’s curriculum of language arts, math, science, sports and music. They foster respect for the Ixil clothing, weaving and local food to strengthen not only their students, but the community as a whole.

--Student Life--

Throughout the year, students at Light and Life are involved in activities such as band and choral, sports, field trips, and learning how to care for the environment through the school garden.