FEE is making a big impact in Latin America. Here are some of the highlights from our recent work there.
In the past three years, FEE en Español has reached 126,400 students across Latin America. Statistically, this means that every 10 minutes, a new student is exposed to the ideas of liberty—about the time it should take you to read this! Each of these individuals has a story, a “before” and “after,” that illustrates the profound impact FEE has on today’s youth. When hundreds of thousands of people are empowered by these ideas, a long-term force for liberty is set in motion. Below are some examples of the extraordinary individuals and institutions we’ve had the privilege of reaching.
The Story of Adriana Garcia: Guatemala
At just 17 years old, Adriana exemplifies the life-changing impact FEE en Español can have. Born in Santa Lucía, Guatemala, Adriana is a student at Madre Tierra, a school dedicated to helping students from marginalized communities. Her parents are sugar cane laborers, and her path to upward mobility seemed uncertain. However, after attending three FEE workshops, her worldview shifted.
“I believe that economic freedom is essential for human beings to carry out and succeed with their life projects, quite often frustrated by authoritarianism,” Adriana shared, speaking from the heart. “Now, after this program, I’m more than positive that I’d like to be an economist!”
Plantel Azteca – México
Plantel Azteca, based in Mexico, is one of the country’s most impactful educational institutions for high-achieving students from economically challenged backgrounds. FEE en Español opened new horizons for these students.
“Our experience with FEE has shown us that educating students about economic and individual freedom is invaluable,” said Teresa Badillo, Principal at Plantel Azteca. “The discussions have sparked new ideas and ambitions, inspiring our students to envision and work toward a more prosperous future for themselves and their communities.”
Surutato Village – Sinaloa
Surutato is a small village of about 1,500 people, struggling with the impact of drug cartels in the region. The community is now determined to leave this dark chapter behind. FEE en Español was invited to host three days of workshops based on Economics in One Lesson for 132 students in Surutato.
During those sessions, we met youth who stayed overnight at school not because they lacked homes, but because the journey to class—often on foot—took up to six hours a day. “I used to think freedom was just doing whatever you pleased, but now I know it’s much more than that,” said Erick, a 16-year-old from Surutato. “I want to be free to keep studying, and I want my little sister to have the chance to finish high school, too.”
A Journey Across Latin America
From surveillance-heavy neighborhoods in Maduro’s Venezuela to indigenous communities in Mexico, from remote areas in Argentina to rural Guatemala, students across Latin America have joined the FEE network, embracing the principles of liberty and economic freedom.
The demand for these ideas is strong, and the stories of people like Adriana, the students of Plantel Azteca, and Erick from Surutato fuel our hope. While our progress is significant, we know it’s just the beginning. Each individual we reach represents a massive opportunity to build a more prosperous, freer society.
