A place of hope: Opening of the PATRIZIA Inclusive School Alotenango in Guatemala

Jan. 2026

A Special Moment for the Children of San Juan Alotenango: With the ceremonial opening of the PATRIZIA Inclusive School, a long-awaited dream has come true for 650 students. Our colleagues Regine and Diego were on site in Guatemala to celebrate this milestone together with the school community, our partner Fe y Alegría Guatemala, and numerous supporters. They returned with moving impressions, colorful artworks, and countless stories full of hope.

Where Education Finds a New Beginning 

For many children in Alotenango, access to education had been nearly impossible for years. In addition to poverty and social exclusion, numerous families lost their homes, livelihoods, and consequently access to schools following the eruption of the Fuego volcano in 2018. Classes were interrupted, school routes became impassable, and many children were left behind permanently.

Those who were already disadvantaged were particularly affected: children with disabilities or learning difficulties. With the opening of the PATRIZIA Inclusive School, there is now a place designed from the start for inclusion, featuring appropriate classrooms, adapted learning materials, and trained teachers. A school where no child is turned away.

A Celebration of Colors, Creativity, and Hope

A true highlight of the visit was the creation of the new school facade. Local artist Sharty One worked with the students to design a vibrant mural. With paint on their hands and eyes full of excitement, the children became part of the artwork themselves. These moments, full of laughter and creativity, beautifully demonstrated how quickly a place is embraced when children feel seen and valued. The students also had the opportunity to contribute creatively to other artworks throughout the school.

Equally evident was the deep dedication of our partner Fe y Alegría, without whose tireless commitment this project would not have been possible. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Ein Herz für Kinder and the Bernhard Waldinger Foundation, whose generous support was crucial in making the construction of this school possible. Muchas gracias!

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A Musical Programme with Lasting Impact

Young musicians from the MiSST programme welcomed guest with an opening performance.

Throughout the evening, the students further captivated guests with their performances, including Adoration by Florence Price and selected pieces from The Phantom of the Opera.  

An Evening of Shared Vision and Personal Stories

In his welcoming speech, founder Wolfgang Egger talked about the importance of investing in young people and creating opportunities that allow them to thrive — academically, personally and socially. Ambassador Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber delivered a passionate speech on the importance of protecting arts education in the UK, particularly at a time when music and creative subjects continue to face significant cuts within the school system. He spoke movingly about the responsibility to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has access to creativity, culture and music education.

Chairwoman of the Board Astrid Gabler, together with Board Member James Muir, reflected on their recent visit to one of the programme’s partner schools. James shared how deeply a passionate music teacher had influenced him during his own school years and how this experience continues to shape his belief in the importance of the support in education infrastructure. 

Rachel Landon, CEO MiSST, brought the programme vividly to life through inspiring footage and powerful stories from participating students, offering guests a meaningful glimpse into the daily impact of the initiative.

 

One of the evening’s most memorable moments came from Rain Spiegel-Johnson, a former participant of the programme, who shared her personal story and reflected on the impact music education has had on her life. Growing up in a low-income household, opportunities to take part in extracurricular arts education were often out of reach, leaving her feeling excluded from experiences many others could access. Through MiSST, however, she discovered a creativity and confidence that had long remained hidden.

Speaking about her experience, she described music not only as a form of artistic expression, but also as a powerful sense of belonging:

“Through music, I discovered not only artistry, but the profound feeling of being part of an ensemble so unified, disciplined and unwaveringly beautiful.”

She also emphasized the broader importance of the programme, calling MiSST “an outstanding microcosm for the future of music and the arts in this country.”

Thank you!

Thank you to everyone who joined us and our Ambassador, Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, for the “Thrive Cubed with Music” evening in support of music education in the UK — and for your shared commitment to creating new opportunities for young people through the power of music!

PATRIZIA Music Programme

With the PATRIZIA Music Programme, the PATRIZIA Foundation continues its commitment to educational support and equal opportunities across Europe. The programme was established to provide children and young people from disadvantaged communities in the United Kingdom with access to high-quality music education and to open new pathways for their personal and academic development. In partnership with MiSST, the programme supports schools in Morecambe and Manchester by providing classical musical instruments, professional music tuition and regular performance opportunities. Over the course of three years, the PATRIZIA Foundation is funding 300 instruments, creating long-term access to cultural education and helping young people build brighter futures through the transformative power of music.

PATRIZIA Music Programme