Haaave you met Howard?
Howard Lobb, who does not shy away from taking a leap of faith, left his successful corporate career back in 2001 to help the fledgling nonprofit Cooperative for Education start a computer program in Guatemala. So what if the organization was only a couple years old? So what if the odds were stacked against rural Guatemala? Howard jumped right in and provided a vision for the program’s success.
Back then, Howard had no idea that his leap of faith would root him in Guatemala for the next 20 years. But here he is, decades later, still working tirelessly to break the cycle of poverty in Guatemala through education. Now, as Director of Partner Development, Howard builds relationships with CoEd’s supporters all over the globe and continues to be one of the best and beloved tour guides in Guatemala.
![Guatemalan Women](https://live.staticflickr.com/8093/8571943042_fc298090b5.jpg)
The early 2000s look good on you, Howard!
And this is Serchil
Like many small communities nestled in Guatemala’s Western Highlands, Serchil is a beautiful place to visit, with rolling farmlands and a stunning view that includes Central America’s tallest volcano, Tajumulco. The beauty of the village is tempered for visitors only by the chill of high altitudes, but for those who live there, it can also feel very isolated, especially when it comes to quality educational opportunities. If only there was a way to provide opportunities for communities like Serchil—no matter how remote—so that they can change the trajectory of their futures forever.
![](https://coeduc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/47116764992_779c39376a_k.jpg)
Serchil, Guatemala
The start of a beautiful friendship
If you’ve been on a CoEd tour, you’ve experienced the connections made with the students at the schools and the lifelong friendships that are formed with your fellow travelers—volunteers and CoEd guides alike.
![Guatemala Tour](https://live.staticflickr.com/1800/43892727451_7af3f5eb81.jpg)
CoEd’s Summer Snapshot Tour 2018
Last fall, Howard and his family faced a great loss when his father, Ernie Lobb, passed away unexpectedly. True to form, a group of CoEd supporters who had just spent a week in Guatemala with Howard joined together to think of a way to honor the memory of Howard’s dad. And what better way than sponsoring a computer center in his name at a rural school in Guatemala?
![Howard at Serchil](https://coeduc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/33293473808_4ede64875d_o.jpg)
Howard at The Ernest W. Lobb Computer Center in Serchil
When Howard visited Serchil with the next CoEd tour this past February, he was asked to cut the ribbon on the computer center that was sponsored in memory of his dad “with special support given by friends of his son, Howard”. Surrounded not only by fellow CoEd supporters and friends, but students, teachers, and parents at Serchil, Howard raised the scissors in the air and proudly cut the ribbon on the computer center, helping Serchil spring forward into a technologically-driven future. As the principal of Serchil passionately said during the center’s inauguration, “We are very far away from the city, and we are in a very cold place, but we are warm with the brothers, sisters, and friends here.”
![Guatemalan Computer Program](https://live.staticflickr.com/7840/47168537501_a05d6c36bd.jpg)
Serchil student, Alexander, showing his mom and sister his new computer skills.
Learn more about the Computer Program
![Guatemalan Computer Program](https://live.staticflickr.com/7844/33364818158_265e433c47.jpg)
Howard at the ribbon cutting
Besides the long and kind of incredible story behind what took us to come to support COED that has to have with the family of the founders, the amazing personality, the kindness that exudes from Howard, his being so responsible and so devoted to my fellow country children, the pure good that comes from his smile are indeed part of the many reasons that keep us so happy for being part of the COED family
Congratulations Coed and Howard!!!
Beatriz Illescas
Foundation for a Better World
Thank you for such a lovely comment! We’re happy to have you as part of the CoEd family. -Elizabeth
Thank you Beatriz. It’s been my pleasure to know you and work with you! Un abrazo!
How lovely!
Thanks, Jenn! -Elizabeth
The photo of you looks great, We send you and Lucy our best regards and also our deepest sympathy at the passing of your father.
Stan & Gretchen
Thank you, Stan & Gretchen. We’ll make sure Howard gets your message -Elizabeth
Howard was a rock star, and willing to transport a DNA test on a trip home from Guatemala. As a result, we have now located our son’s birth mother. We are forever grateful. Thanks for going the extra mile for us! We look forward to when we can travel with Co-Ed again!
What an amazing story! Thanks for sharing, Terry. -Elizabeth
Terry, I’m so glad that the DNA test yielded results and you were able to find your son’s birth mother!