When Liv Klawiter first heard about School the World from friends, she saw it as a chance to return to a place that had already shaped her perspective in a meaningful way.
Years earlier, Liv and her family had been deeply involved in fundraising efforts to combat human trafficking through Dressember, a campaign supported by the International Justice Mission. Over six years, their family raised more than $50,000—an experience that not only introduced Liv to global issues but also showed her the power of grassroots fundraising.
So when the opportunity came to travel to Guatemala with School the World, she was ready to bring those lessons, and her creativity with her.
Liv approached fundraising in a way that felt authentic: through her art.
Instead of traditional methods alone, she created a raffle system tied to original artwork. Donors who contributed to her trip were entered to win custom pieces—one larger piece was raffled off to those who provided higher donations, and one smaller piece for other donors.
Liv waited until after her trip to create the artwork, ensuring each piece would be inspired by real experiences.
“I wanted my art to reflect what I had actually seen and felt,” she shared.
One of Liv’s most striking pieces is a photorealistic painting of a mother carrying a baby on her back while going about her daily routine.
The painting is based on a real moment during a home visit in Guatemala. The woman, a mother of several children, welcomed Liv and her group into her home and shared a glimpse into her daily life.
What stood out wasn’t hardship, it was joy.
Despite limited resources, the family radiated warmth, energy, and connection. Liv was struck by the contrast between what many might assume about life in rural Guatemala and the reality she witnessed.
“There was so much joy in her and her family,” Liv explained. “It was a life that isn’t often seen, and I felt really privileged to experience it.”
Through her art, Liv sought to honor her experience visiting the family as a celebration of resilience, dignity, and everyday beauty.
Liv’s artistic abilities didn’t stop at her personal artwork.
During the trip, she helped design and paint murals in the school alongside fellow volunteer Brooke and the rest of the group. Together, they created vibrant scenes with flowers and birds (including Guatemala’s national bird, the quetzal), and a globe surrounded by children holding hands.
For Liv, the mural project was both meaningful and challenging. As an experienced artist, she was used to having control over her work—but this was different.
“It was about letting go,” she said. “It’s supposed to reflect everyone.”
Liv’s passion for storytelling extends beyond painting. With a deep love for writing, she hopes to one day become an author, writing and illustrating her own young adult books.
This summer, she’ll take an exciting step toward that goal at the renowned writing program at the University of Iowa, widely known for its prestigious creative writing community.
At the same time, she continues to stay connected to service. Through her work with 826 Boston, Liv tutors students, many of whom are bilingual, combining her interests in education, language, and mentorship.
She also plans to keep exploring the world, seeking opportunities to study abroad and continue working in communities like the one she visited in Guatemala.
“I see education as something that’s going to set me up to do work in the world,” she said.
From fundraising through art to capturing powerful human moments on canvas, Liv’s journey is a reminder that creativity can be a force for connection and change.
Whether she’s painting, writing, or working with students, one thing is clear: Liv isn’t just telling stories, she’s helping shape them.
And she’s only getting started.
