Construction Begins On Guatemalan School By Marlboro Eagle Scout

Joe Vitale, 15 of Marlboro, is quite busy with his Eagle Scout project, all the way in Guatemala.

Construction on the school he is building for Guatemalan began on Monday.

"As it turns out, the location we originally planned to build our school in Guatemala -- Laguna Seca -- has been offered a unique opportunity to have a school of a grander scale built," Vitale said, in an email update to his supporters. "An opportunity  they could not turn down, so we are thrilled for them.  Thus, The Giving Project and I have moved to Santa Cruz del Quiche, Guatemala, a neighboring community to Laguna Seca, which was one of the locations offered to us when planning for this project commenced."

to Guatemala, where he said he was inspired meeting local children. Their school, he said, was more like a shack. 

Vitale's mother lived in Guatemala until age 12, and his great grandmother was a teacher for indigenous Mayans in the area. For Vitale, the roots are deep, and his Eagle Scout project would strive to help an impoverished area while honoring his family.

"I can implement something that would not only change the lives of hundreds of children in Guatemala, but also mine, and hopefully the lives of those who support me in this mission."

Vitale has raised a little over $10,000 for his project, which he said he will complete through teamwork with his troop and with leaders near and far. The scout has set a deadline of 2013, when he hopes to dedicate the school on his great grandmother's centennial.

To supplement fundraising, Vitale has partnered with The Giving Project, who has built other schools globally for around $22,000.

To donate to the fund, please visit Vitale's fundraising website.