How it began
“When you strengthen literacy in a child, you strengthen the future of an entire community.”
-Deacon Phyllis Manoogian
Spanish culture and the Spanish language had long been meaningful to Deacon Phyllis Manoogian. While serving in the Episcopal Diocese of California, she developed relationships with families from Guatemala who later invited her to visit their homeland.
During her time in San Andrés Itzapa, she witnessed firsthand the educational challenges facing many indigenous children — particularly the limited access to quality public schooling and early literacy resources. The need was both visible and urgent.
Rather than offering temporary assistance, Phyllis began exploring how sustained educational support could make a lasting difference. What began as a small outreach effort gradually evolved into a focused mission: to provide supplemental education and literacy resources to young children at risk of falling behind.
With the partnership of local educators and the support of donors and volunteers in the United States, Niños Creadores de Historia School was established to help bridge the educational gap and expand opportunities for children in the community.
Today, the school continues to grow through collaborative effort, guided by a shared belief that early education is one of the most powerful tools for breaking generational cycles of poverty.
our team
Our school is led by a dedicated team of teachers and staff who are deeply committed to the success and well-being of every child. Their daily work, care, and perseverance are the foundation of everything we do.
Founder & Program Director
Deacon Phyllis Manoogian
Deacon Phyllis works in close partnership with local educators and community leaders to guide the school’s mission, strengthen literacy initiatives, and ensure long-term sustainability.
Local Educators & Staff
Our on-the-ground team in San Andrés Itzapa provides daily instruction, individualized support, and care for the children we serve.
Lead Teacher
Dedicated to early childhood literacy and foundational learning, our lead teacher works closely with students each day to build confidence, strengthen reading skills, and create a supportive classroom environment.
Teaching Assistant
Our teaching assistant provides individualized attention and reinforcement, ensuring that each student receives the support needed to succeed.
School Support & Kitchen Coordinator
An essential part of daily operations, our school support staff helps maintain a welcoming and nurturing environment, supporting students both academically and physically.