Our Initiatives
Libraries, Schools and Literacy Initiatives
The Problem
In rural Guatemala:
• Schools are poorly equipped
• Teachers are poorly trained ( most a high school education)
• Books in schools rarely exist (students copy from a blackboard)
• Libraries, if they exist, have few books and poorly trained staff
• Computer access is largely non existent
• Children complete on average only 2 to 3 years of poor quality schooling
• The majority of the indigenous rural population remains trapped in poverty.
Child Aid has been focusing increased financial, material and human resources on working to change the above equation. By giving local teachers and librarians the skills and resources they need, they bring the joy of reading and educational success to their students and the community at large.
Growing Success
We have worked with our local partners to:
• Build extra classrooms.
• Create community libraries.
• Bring books into classrooms through our reading programs
• Train librarians in how to make their libraries “centers for learning”.
• Help librarians institute vacation reading programs for the children.
• Help schools and libraries learn to coordinate their efforts.
• Use skilled volunteers to organize libraries.
• Train teachers in how to run reading programs in their classrooms.
• Run classes for indigenous future teachers in how to bring reading to their students.
• Bring computers into the libraries.
Every one of our programs, whether it be teacher and librarian trainings or children’s reading programs, are a huge success. We have been overwhelmed by the eagerness of all our partners for increased knowledge and participation. The light and passion that can be seen in the eyes of the teachers, librarians and students is powerful to behold. When they are empowered by giving them tools, training and resources the foundation for lasting change is laid. It is this ever growing group of skilled and educated individuals that will build the brighter futures for their communities.
