PeaceJam is developing Guatemala’s future leaders: How TPG is giving back and how you can help
I just returned from an incredible weekend in Guatemala for PeaceJam's annual conference in San Lucas Toliman with fellow TPGers Courtney Loughran (senior financial planning and analysis associate), Emily Thompson (credit cards writer) and Hannah Streck (senior SEO manager). We also were joined by The Points Guy founder Brian Kelly and his 1-year-old son Dean.
PeaceJam is an international nonprofit organization that partners with Nobel Peace Prize winners to inspire the next generation of local leaders. Students develop conflict resolution and community improvement skills through mentorship from these laureates. PeaceJam chapters and annual conferences held in Liberia, Ghana, South Africa and Guatemala provide platforms for teenagers to develop leadership abilities and take on important roles in their schools and communities.
TPG has been supporting PeaceJam since 2014, sponsoring a school in Guatemala, participating in conferences and offering mentorships and scholarships to students in all four countries.
We recently had the opportunity to attend the annual PeaceJam conference in Guatemala to further engage with the organization. These are some of the highlights and our biggest takeaways from the trip.
TPG and PeaceJam in Guatemala
This year's PeaceJam conference in Guatemala featured Nobel Peace Prize laureate Rigoberta Menchú as the mentor. Menchú, the country's only Nobel laureate, has dedicated her life to advocating for the rights of Indigenous people and was a major figure in promoting peace during Guatemala's brutal civil war from 1960 to 1996, which claimed 200,000 lives. She continues her work through the Rigoberta Menchú Tum Foundation, which supports Indigenous communities. One of her projects is the Centro Educativo Pavarotti, a junior high school for students ages 12 to 16, where she oversees operations.
In total, more than 200 students, school administrators and PeaceJam mentors gathered for a transformative experience at this year's conference. The TPG team arrived from Panajachel by lancha (speedboat) at the San Lucas Toliman dock, where hundreds of students, faculty members and staff members warmly greeted us. Menchú provided a traditional floral arrangement to Brian and Dean Kelly.
She began the conference with a traditional Mayan ceremony of incense and music. Menchú's opening speech centered around "La Madre Tierra: Mi primer y único hogar" ("Mother Earth: My first and only home"), which encouraged students to engage in sustainable practices.
One of the most memorable moments at the conference was when teams of five students demonstrated both creativity and innovative thinking as they presented their sustainable business ideas in a "Shark Tank"-style format. The student group presentations centered around these four goals:
- A restaurant to serve local favorites and protect familial recipes
- Protecting Indigenous culture
- Improving Guatemala's rural healthcare
- Making the water supply in San Lucas Toliman drinkable
Courtney and I joined a group of around 50 students to visit a local center dedicated to addressing child malnutrition. We contributed by delivering essential dry food items, including white and yellow corn. Meanwhile, Hannah and Emily showcased their gardening skills as they and the students planted various plants, nurturing their green thumbs.
“Something special about PeaceJam in Guatemala is that it delivers programming to rural schools that don’t have access to leadership enrichment programming and peace education,” said PeaceJam programs director Lauren Coffaro. “Many of these areas are heavily affected by issues like poverty and migration. PeaceJam Guatemala creates a space where young people celebrate Indigenous traditions and claim pride in their heritage.”
The climax of each PeaceJam conference is the poignant candle-lighting ceremony, el fuego sagrado. During this ritual, the Nobel laureate imparts an inspiring message before igniting a candle, symbolizing all participants' collective pursuit of lasting peace. Once the flame is kindled, students and staff share their wellsprings of inspiration.
The heartfelt messages shared were deeply moving and personal. They encompassed tales of resilience in the face of formidable challenges, such as growing up in impoverished regions and embarking on arduous journeys to access education. Numerous individuals acknowledged the sacrifices made by their families, all fueled by the hope of a brighter future for themselves and generations to come.
During the candle ceremony, Brian Kelly revealed a generous contribution of $31,000 to support the endeavors of PeaceJam. Additionally, he announced a $20,000 donation for the Global Impact Youth Fellowship.
The Global Impact Youth Fellowship
TPG's support extends beyond sponsoring the PeaceJam conference in Guatemala. Through the Global Impact Youth Fellowship, TPG provides scholarships to students in Ghana, Guatemala and South Africa, covering all their high school or college educational expenses. Four students in each country are selected for this program, receiving financial support as well as guidance from a dedicated TPG employee who serves as their mentor throughout their academic journey.
For these students, receiving a full scholarship is a transformative opportunity. Combined with their extraordinary efforts, these fellowships allow the students to pursue a university education that would otherwise be unattainable. During the three days we spent together at PeaceJam, the TPG fellows shared stories of hard work on family farms and the sacrifices made by their grandparents, who toiled well into their later years to contribute to tuition fees and essential school materials.
Keybin, a TPG fellow from Guatemala, is currently studying radiology. He expressed that before learning about the Global Impact Youth Fellowship, attending university was never a consideration for his family. "This fellowship has given me an opportunity to support people. In the world, we are like a chain, helping each other mutually," he shared.
Ines, who specializes in legal and social sciences, echoed Keybin's sentiments. She emphasized that the fellowship deepened her sense of responsibility to succeed, thanks to the support she received along the way. Ines stated, "Being accountable for my actions and commitments has fueled my determination to excel academically."
Key takeaways
While our TPG team visited Guatemala to support Indigenous students participating in PeaceJam, the benefits of the conference were not limited to the student participants alone. We, as volunteers, also gained immensely from the experience, both personally and professionally.
New PeaceJam volunteers are introduced to many aspects of local Mayan culture, including the cosmovision — a Maya worldview that highlights the significance of nature and serves as the foundation for community service projects. By familiarizing ourselves with the students' values and perspectives, we were able to strategize effective approaches to addressing their academic challenges.
Attending this year's PeaceJam conference left a profound impact on us. Witnessing the extraordinary lengths students and their families go to in their quest for education was truly awe-inspiring. It made us deeply appreciate the privileges we have enjoyed, including easy access to educational opportunities.
Moreover, this experience catalyzed personal growth and reflection. It reminded us that meeting our personal needs or feeling content does not absolve us from the responsibility to make a positive impact. Each life that PeaceJam changes opens up new possibilities to uplift more individuals, and we all have a role to play in enhancing communities worldwide, ensuring everyone can thrive.
How you can help
If you are interested in supporting the PeaceJam Foundation, there are multiple ways you can contribute. One option is to sponsor a young person or a school participating in the program. You can do so by visiting peacejam.org/donate or contacting info@peacejam.org via email.
When it comes to donating, you have several choices. You can make an unrestricted donation, allowing PeaceJam to allocate the funds where they are most needed. Alternatively, you can specify certain projects or indicate destinations you want your donation to support.
In the past, TPG has collaborated with United Airlines' Miles on a Mission program. This initiative enables individuals to donate their unused frequent flyer miles to charitable organizations. These donated miles have facilitated flights for Nobel laureates attending PeaceJam conferences. For instance, TPG supported Tawakkol Karman's attendance at the PeaceJam Ghana conference in July 2022 by utilizing the donated miles through this program.
Your support can make a meaningful difference in empowering young individuals and fostering positive change through PeaceJam.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.