Today is Día del Maestro, the Day of the Teacher, in Guatemala, June 25th. It is a day of celebration and gratitude for educators who play such a critical role in the growth and development of their students.
To celebrate the day we wanted to share with you Israel’s story.
Israel is a teacher in Patzún, Chimaltenango. Five years ago, the “Reading for Life” program was implemented at his school, Cantón Norte. Our trainers remember him fondly, noting that Israel always excelled at applying the content covered. Today, those lessons continue to shape the way he teaches—and the lives of his students.
Israel still relies on his Child Aid training manual to choose the best literacy techniques for each lesson. His classroom is filled with creativity as students write their own book chapters, imagine new endings to stories, and work through the writing process step by step. These activities do far more than improve reading and writing—they spark imagination, build confidence, and help children discover the joy of expressing themselves.
Now teaching sixth grade, Israel sees firsthand the lasting impact of the pandemic on his students. Many were in first grade when schools closed and continue to struggle with basic reading and writing skills. But instead of focusing on what they missed, Israel focuses on what they can achieve. Using the engaging, interactive methods he learned through Child Aid, he motivates his students to learn, grow, and believe in their abilities.
No matter what grade he teaches, Israel applies the literacy tools Child Aid provided because he has seen the difference they make. Every story his students write, every page they read with confidence, and every new skill they master is a reminder that lasting change begins with a well-equipped teacher.
¡Feliz Día del Maestro!
Your support makes stories like Israel’s possible. By investing in teachers, you’re helping thousands of children build the literacy skills they need to succeed in school—and in life.
Please consider making a donation today in celebration of Día del Maestro.