This is one of our favorite photos around the office. It’s of a boy from the town of Jocotenango, Guatemala who is fully engaged in a story his teacher is reading as part of our Reading for Life program. This might seem an ordinary scene for someone who is accustomed to schools in the U.S. […] Continue Reading
Child Aid News
Librarian’s Commitment to Literacy Pays Off
Three years ago when Child Aid helped librarian Alberta Guarchaj launch a school-break reading program in her village library, fewer than 10 children showed up. Working closely with Child Aid literacy staff, Ms. Guarchaj tailored the program so that it better fit the needs of her village. She thought about ways to attract more children […] Continue Reading
An Effective Literacy Program in Action
At five and seven years old, Joselyn and Karen Guarchaj already face the possible reality of living their lives in extreme poverty, just as their family has for generations. But thanks to Child Aid and its supporters, the two sisters also face another possibility: a future in which they know how to read and possess the […] Continue Reading
Guatemalan Literacy Staff Visits Portland
By Marissa White, Development Associate, Child Aid Recently, I had the immense pleasure of showing three of our Reading for Life program staff members from Guatemala around Portland, Oregon. The purpose of their visit was to spend time shadowing teachers and to share their experiences in literacy work with students, volunteers and Child Aid supporters. […] Continue Reading
National Coffee Day: A Brief Look at Our Coffee Community
It’s National Coffee Day! Guatemala is one of the world’s top producers of coffee, and many of the children involved in our literacy program work seasonally in the coffee industry. Xojolá and Pasaq are just two of several coffee communities that participate in Reading for Life, our flagship literacy program in Guatemala. Help support our […] Continue Reading
Books Bring Hope to Remote Mayan Village
“They read the story once,” Graciela said, “and then they read it again, but change some important detail. Then their families have to catch the mistake. It’s a simple comprehension exercise that they’re repeating at home. It’s wonderful to see.” Through innovative and imaginative programs, Child Aid and its supporters are helping indigenous children learn […] Continue Reading
Working Where Need is Greatest
Health and Access to Education for Women in Guatemala
“Foreign governments should [insist] on more education, more health services and work.”—Óscar Julio Vian Morales, Guatemala’s archbishop This fascinating video reveals the challenges of maternal mortality and high birthrate that many Guatemalan families face. Several organizations are working locally on initiatives to improve the overall health of women in poor communities. However, as the video […] Continue Reading
Teaching with Courage
Child Aid reading and literacy programs do much more than help children learn to read. The literacy trainings we provide are transformative and empowering to librarians and teachers and have rippling effects across local communities. Teachers and librarians learn skills and tools to implement effective reading programs, but they also gain personal confidence with these new abilities. […] Continue Reading
Summer Literacy Program Inspires Young Student
Juan Byron Guarchaj (age 10) lives in the rural town of Pasaq, Guatemala. He goes to school in the morning and spends his afternoons harvesting coffee or bananas to earn money for his family. He chops firewood in the mountains and carries it into town in giant bundles on his back. Around dusk, he spends an hour or two […] Continue Reading