Creating Girl Readers in Guatemala

Summary

This project provides 440 girls a better education by building a love and habit for reading and computers at 11 community-managed libraries through educational activities and involving parents.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

Guatemala has the highest illiteracy and school dropout rates in Central America, especially among indigenous women in rural villages. School is only 4 hours per day, with 40% of students not passing 1st grade. Our Girl Reader project focuses on educating rural indigenous girls because studies show that when you educate girls through 5th grade they will have healthier, smaller, better educated families. "Reading daily with my daughter taught me to be a better mother" -- Josefina Diaz

How will this project solve this problem?

We deliver a learning oasis of fun, educational story hours and book clubs, debate teams, computer training, community volunteer activities, book lending, and training for parents in 6 fundamental techniques for early childhood development.

Potential Long Term Impact

This project will ensure 440 girls and young teens are prepared to overcome social and economic challenges, with improved communication, reading, and critical thinking skills, enabling them to be better leaders in their families and communities.

Project Message

"I was really impacted. Before joining our library's youth club, I didn't know what leadership was or how to work on a team. Now I take initiative and believe in myself."
- Elena Garcia, Youth beneficiary

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).

Resources

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