Free Education for All Children in Guatemala
In Guatemala, education is divided into Pre-Primaria (párvulos and kindergarten), Primaria (Primary school 1st to 6th grade), Secundaria (Secundary school, 3 years known as Básico), and Diversificado (3 years of High School). For the last several years, children who went to middle school and high school had to pay for tuition to go to school and many families simply could not afford it. The current Guatemalan government has made it possible for free education for all children. Globally Minded Works is thrilled for such a move as many more children will have access to education.
Ongoing needs for most of the rural schools in Guatemala include: books, supplies, furniture, computers, and even buildings. With donations from people like you, Globally Minded Works aims to fill this gap.
Not all schools are fully paid for by the government. Some still require parents to pay for tuition, books, and school uniforms. In such cases, in the communities we work, we may provide scholarships so children can go to school.
Join our efforts to support education and other
charitable projects in Guatemala by donating to our work.
Thank you for your kind donation to support the Mayan children in Guatemala.
Guatemalan Child Sponsorships Needed for 2009 School Year
Once upon a time, I was the American Director for a school in Guatemala. I left knowing I'd continue to be involved with education and helping the Mayans around Lake Atitlan. Globally Minded Works, Inc. was created to help support education through sponsorships of students, teachers and schools. It is my hope that we can raise enough money to support several impoverished schools and families in the Highlands in Guatemala.
The school year in Guatemala is from January to October and young children go to elementary school in the afternoon and older students attend middle school in the afternoon. During November and December, many Mayan children help their parents harvest coffee beans for export. Many Guatemalan Mayans are very poor and struggle greatly to send their older children to middle school as they are responsible for paying tuition and books. Elementary school is compulsory and free, though most schools are in dire need of everything, including school supplies and an adequate building.
Schools around Lake Atitlan are in varying degree of need. Yet, most, if not all, are in need of ongoing support as the communities are poor and the schools don't get enough help (if at all) from the government. Teacher salaries are always in jeopardy and it not uncommon for salaries to be withheld for several months at a time! Globally Minded Works seeks to partner with communities in Guatemala, one child, one teacher, one school at a time.
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