We’re thrilled to announce a milestone that fills us with pride and joy: School the World has completed our 100th playground!
Since 2009, when we began our Primary School Infrastructure program, we’ve been committed to building complete learning environments—not just classrooms, but spaces where every aspect of child development can flourish. This 100th playground represents more than just climbing structures and swings; it represents our unwavering belief that education happens everywhere, and that play is an essential part of learning.
Our playground achievements are inseparable from our broader school construction work. Across Guatemala, Honduras, and Panama, we’ve now built 176 schools serving primary students ages 6-12. Each school is the result of a true partnership: municipalities contribute 50% of construction material costs, while School the World provides the other 50% of materials plus five years of educational programming.
These partnerships matter because they create shared ownership. When communities and local governments invest alongside us, the results are sustainable. Schools become sources of community pride, maintained and cherished for generations.
Not every one of our 176 schools has a playground—yet. Over the years, we’ve worked to help communities understand that playgrounds aren’t just “nice to have” extras, but essential infrastructure for child development. When we partner with mayors and communities to identify schools with the greatest need, we advocate strongly for including playground construction whenever funds are available.
This advocacy work matters. Many communities initially prioritize only classroom construction, viewing play spaces as secondary. But we’ve seen firsthand how playgrounds transform the educational experience:
In communities where safe play spaces are often scarce or non-existent, our playgrounds become more than school amenities—they become community gathering places that benefit entire villages.
Our infrastructure investments are designed to be the visible foundation for transformation. When a community sees a new classroom rise alongside a colorful playground, it sparks something powerful: engagement, hope, and pride. These physical improvements signal that education matters, that children matter, and that the community’s investment in its future is being matched and amplified.
Each of our 100 playgrounds has been built with care, designed to withstand years of enthusiastic use while providing safe, engaging play experiences. Each one was made possible by dedicated donors, passionate volunteers, committed municipal partners, and enthusiastic community members who showed up to build something lasting.