Being Published in Guatemala's Largest Newspaper

A picture of Alexander Martiny asking students of Cadanino questions about STEM

A short time after the inauguration of the second STEM lab we were contacted by Prensa Libre, currently the countries largest news outlet. They interviewed us and a few days later we were prominently featured on the second page of the Sunday edition paper as well as on their website and social media.

Translated Article: Teenager in Guatemala Raises Funds and Inaugurates STEM Technology Labs in Santa Fe and San José Pinula

He is the fifth child in his family. Since childhood, he has been passionate about technology, and in addition to his studies, he is a self-taught learner who has taken online courses from Meta and Google. Alexander Martiny shares how impressed he has been to see children eager to learn about the technological world but lacking the resources to do so. "Through this, they discover their talents and abilities," he says.

"I thought about what I could do to support them, so I organized a fundraiser through donorbox.org," he explains.

This effort took place during his mid-year break in 2024. He spent several afternoons putting the project together, and the result was a Q100,000 (about $13,000) fundraising campaign, which was used to open two STEM labs. These are part of the Cadaniño Ministry, which serves vulnerable populations.

STEM stands for integrating education methodologies based on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This acronym, originating in the U.S., comes from the initials of these disciplines in English.

Alexander, a high school student, shares how surprised he is by people's response and how excited he is that some participants had never before seen the technology they would learn to use, such as 3D printers.

"If everyone gave more of their time—especially those with many resources—they could use it to help those in need. These people, in turn, would pay it forward, and the chain would continue," Alexander says.

Part of his work on the project happens during his free time and weekends.

Who Benefits?

Martiny is the son of missionaries Timothy and Sharie Martiny, who have been working in Guatemala for over 20 years and founded the Cadaniño program. This ministry is dedicated to transforming the lives of vulnerable children through education, faith, and community support.

Timothy, Sharie, Alexander, and Alison Martiny, part of the family that has impacted Santa Fe with a social program in Zone 13 and San José Pinula.

"This STEM Lab was made possible thanks to my son Alexander Martiny. Beyond fundraising, he trained teachers in 3D printing and software, who now instruct students. His efforts also funded 10 LEGO Education Spike Prime kits, allowing Cadaniño students to learn robotics and programming," says the current president of Cadaniño.

"We decided to live in Guatemala and wanted to work with children and families in these communities. Ten years ago, we launched a more structured program in Santa Fe (Zone 13) so that, through tutoring with teachers in a safe space, children could learn more about technology and computing, improve their studies, and also learn about the Gospel. The goal is for people to use their gifts to serve others," adds the father.

Timothy, Sharie, Alexander, and Alison Martiny are part of the family that has impacted Santa Fe (Zone 13) and San José Pinula through this social program.

In 2016, 35 students enrolled, receiving support for 90 minutes twice a week. The group grew quickly, doubling in size within months.

By 2017, the number had doubled again, surpassing 100 participants. In 2018, the program was formalized, allowing children to participate for three hours, and a new center opened in San José Pinula. Today, there are nearly 260 students and 20 teachers.

"We saw a change in the students' grades. Most became honor students after some had previously failed grades or struggled academically. It was a shift in mindset—realizing they were capable with a little support and that, with God, all things are possible," recalls Timothy Martiny.

The father, a systems engineer, acknowledges that the skills children and youth learn are essential for accessing better job opportunities and higher wages, not just in Guatemala but worldwide. Some beneficiaries had no prior computer knowledge and now even take programming classes.

Four students have won university scholarships, and some now work in the tech sector, Martiny says.

Jonatan Alexander Zelada Sánchez, 21, is one of the current teachers but was once a student in the program. "I came with a low level of schooling, but over time, through technology, I saw my future clearly. I learned everything from typing and Office to programming. Now, my motivation is to support others and pass on the knowledge I received," says Zelada.

Jonatan Alexander Zelada and Alexander Martiny, part of the Cadaniño project.

"Our hope is to open more centers and give more students the opportunity to learn. Every year is a miracle that depends on donations," Martiny concludes.

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