In Guatemala, children grow up in extreme poverty, and many begin school having never held a book.
Studying at home is often difficult, and many parents lack the literacy skills needed to help their children with homework.
Schools are neglected, and books, when they exist, are often outdated, worn out and of little use.
For most children in rural Guatemala, illiteracy presents a barrier to improving their lives.
Rode Mirtala, a 1st grade teacher in Godinez, Guatemala, shows the four books she had in her classroom before her school partnered with Child Aid. Now she has access to hundreds.
Even in challenging conditions, a well-trained teacher can inspire a child to read and excel in school.
“Education and the new library are very important for our children,” says Pascuala Guarchaj. “I don’t want them to have to live like we’ve had to, so it’s important that they learn to read.”
Llaquelyn and Myno’s mother, Naomi Osorio, dropped out of school in 4th grade. She makes her living selling candy on the street, and hopes Reading for Life will help her children get the education she never did.