Historic Breakthrough: Feuerstein Institute Partners with UNIS
Written by Ruthie Cohen
December 30th 2025
Feuerstein Institute Guatemala partnership represents a historic breakthrough in educational inclusion across Latin America. On March 18, the Feuerstein Institute and Universidad del Istmo (UNIS) in Guatemala signed a groundbreaking collaboration agreement, uniting two pioneering institutions committed to transforming lives through cognitive intervention and mediated learning.
This transformative partnership brings the world-renowned Feuerstein Method to Guatemala‘s most underserved communities. Led by Rabbi Dr. Refael Feuerstein, CEO of the Feuerstein Institute, and Engineer Francisco Mejía, Rector of UNIS, this collaboration will integrate the Feuerstein approach into both academic programs and clinical practice at the UNIS-Misha Maegli Clinic—with special focus on supporting individuals with Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, and other learning challenges.
This collaboration through the Feuerstein Institute Guatemala partnership is an essential component of our strategy to enhance educational environments for all learners.
A Distinguished Visit to UNIS
The delegation from the Feuerstein Institute, led by our CEO, Rabbi Dr. Refael Feuerstein, and Mr. Shayke Pri-Chen, Head of International Relations, was honored to be received by the leadership of UNIS. Lcda. Mirna de González, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, warmly welcomed our representatives, facilitating a comprehensive tour of both the university campus and the specialized UNIS-Misha Maegli Clinic.
During the visit, our team had the privilege of meeting with Rector Ing. Francisco Mejía. Together, they explored the vast opportunities this inter-institutional collaboration offers for students, faculty, and the broader community. The dialogue underscored a shared commitment to human dignity and the belief in the potential of every individual to learn and grow. This effort is part of the broader Feuerstein Institute Guatemala partnership for inclusion, highlighting the importance of the Feuerstein Institute Guatemala partnership. Additionally, the Feuerstein Institute Guatemala partnership aims to foster innovative educational methodologies.
Formalizing the Partnership
The highlight of the visit was the official signing of a collaboration agreement between the Feuerstein Institute and UNIS. This framework establishes a formal pathway to incorporate the Feuerstein Method into the academic programs of the Faculty of Humanities. Furthermore, it integrates our methodologies into the clinical practices at the UNIS-Misha Maegli Clinic. This dual approach ensures that future educators and therapists are not only trained in the theory of Structural Cognitive Modifiability but are also applying it directly to support individuals with cognitive challenges.
The Power of Structural Cognitive Modifiability
At the heart of this collaboration is the Feuerstein Method, also known as the Feuerstein Instrumental Enrichment program. Grounded in the theory of Structural Cognitive Modifiability (SCM) conceived by Prof. Reuven Feuerstein, our approach proposes that intelligence is not a static trait. Instead, we believe—and have clinically proven—that human cognitive ability is flexible and susceptible to significant modification throughout a person’s life, regardless of age, genetic background, or developmental history.
Through the process of Mediated Learning Experience (MLE), the method provides individuals with the tools to “learn how to learn.” In the context of this new partnership with UNIS, these tools will be pivotal in enhancing the capabilities of individuals with Down Syndrome, those on the Autism Spectrum, and others with diverse learning needs. By focusing on the process of learning rather than just the content, we empower these individuals to transcend their perceived limitations.
Impact on Community and Clinical Practice
Beyond the academic sphere, this partnership is poised to make a tangible impact on the community. During his tour of the UNIS-Misha Maegli Clinic, Dr. Feuerstein expressed profound admiration for the scope of the clinic’s work and the Faculty of Humanities’ outreach to underserved populations. The collaboration aims to bolster these efforts, providing direct, specialized support to families in Guatemala who require expert assistance in their children’s development.
The Feuerstein Institute Guatemala partnership also emphasizes the importance of community engagement and support systems for learners.
This initiative represents a significant stride toward inclusive education in Guatemala, ensuring that high-quality cognitive intervention is accessible to those who need it most. We are honored to partner with an institution that shares our vision of unlocking human potential.
Join Us in Changing Lives
We believe that the Feuerstein Institute Guatemala partnership can inspire other institutions to innovate in the field of inclusive education.
The Feuerstein Institute invites academic institutions, educators, therapists, and clinicians worldwide to explore similar partnership opportunities. By integrating the Feuerstein Method into your curriculum or practice, you join a global network dedicated to proving that every individual has the capacity to change.
For more information on our training programs, international collaborations, or how to bring the Feuerstein Method to your organization, please contact us directly.
Join us as we explore the possibilities that the Feuerstein Institute Guatemala partnership can unlock for future generations.
About the Feuerstein Institute
The Feuerstein Institute is an international education, treatment, and research center committed to the idea that every human being has the potential to learn and change. Based in Israel, the Institute carries forward the legacy of Prof. Reuven Feuerstein through the theory of Structural Cognitive Modifiability, impacting thousands of lives across the globe through clinical treatment, teacher training, and academic research.
The impact of the Feuerstein Institute Guatemala partnership extends beyond academia, reaching into the heart of community development.
All images courtesy of Universidad del Istmo (UNIS), Guatemala. Original article: UNIS y el Instituto Feuerstein unen fuerzas para apoyar la inclusión educativa en Guatemala