History

Founded in 2002 in Portland, Oregon.

2002

World Spark

World Spark arose from the Catholic faith of a few friends and their desire to express their faith through action. Recognizing the needs of children around the world, the founders focused on those facing poverty, violence and a lack of education. Since 2004 World Spark has served hundreds of children on two continents. This is their story.

2004

Kiserian, Kenya

World Spark's first project helped a religious community, the Holy Spirit Sisters, build an elementary school in Kiserian, Kenya.

The St. Bernard school for orphaned children, ultimately led to a dormitory expansion and the creation of a secondary school staffed by the Sisters. Since 2004 many orphan children have received the care and education that offers a future with hope and opportunity.

2005

Ancon Child Care & Elementary School

In its mission to better educate children, World Spark collaborated with a small Mexican community in the desert of Baja Sur. In this remote area, World Spark renovated an Elementary school and built a Child Care Center. Today these structures provide education and support for children and their families.

In central Mexico, at an altitude of 7000 feet, World Spark undertook its most ambitious project: the creation of the Instituto Educativo de Guadalupe. In 2007, on 5 hectares of barren land, without water, electricity or buildings World Spark began to build a campus; a village for children.

The Instituto de Guadalupe campus has grown from barren land and a dilapidated building, to a village with a chapel, classrooms, dinning center, offices, guest accommodations, a soccer field and a covered sports court. More than 3100 children have benefited from the Instituto's programs.

The Instituto is self-sustaining with its own well and purification system. Electricity is generated from solar panels and stored in batteries. There are dozens of fruit trees and a variety of flowers and vegetables from acres of gardens and green houses. 48 bee hives produce quality honey.

However, the Instituto Educativo de Guadalupe is far more than buildings or horticulture. It was created as a village for children with various needs but with a single goal: to develop their self esteem and realize the potential God has given each of them.

At the Instituto learning is a multi-faceted adventure engaging both the children and their guides. Although all our learning staff are certified, experienced teachers, the role we ask them to assume is that of a guide rather than an instructor. The children are participants more than students. There are no exams, homework, grades or prerequisites. Interest and need are our only requirements and knowledge is our goal.

We appreciate the realities of each child’s life and experience. We help them realize their potential and move beyond the challenges they face. At the Instituto children learn to appreciate their own value and to respect the value and differences of others.

Our programs offer a range of life skills. We give particular attention to children or adolescents with special needs. Rather than the Instituto's two year program, special need adolescents are offered a longer program with a special emphasis on independence and self-support.

The Instituto reaches out to those with physical or mental limitations, including the deaf, mute, or cognitively challenged. Our campus is a heaven where each individual is valued, no matter their need. It is a village where support is provided and potential liberated.

The Instituto's campus is more than classrooms. It includes basketball courts, a soccer field and areas where children enjoy being kids. It's dinning center serves nutritious meals and it's chapel is the spiritual center. All part of our effort to develop skills, foster teamwork, and develop confidence.

Our Mission

Our mission is to respond to the developmental needs of children living in poverty, domestic instability or confronting cognitive/physical limitations.

Our Location

9121 N. Burr Avenue
Portland, Oregon
C.P 97203
www.worldspark.org

Contact Us

503-245-7899
email: info@worldspark.org