Technology Training for Rural Indigenous Youth

Summary

Empowering rural indigenous youth in Guatemala to learn to use computers and the Internet as tools for local development and for strengthening their native language and culture.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

Computer training centers and Internet cafés are becoming more prevalent in rural Guatemala. Moreover, being able to do research via Internet, present schoolwork prepared on computer, and use e-mail to seek employment or negotiate a community development project are fast becoming necessities. However, with rural poverty rates over 90%, only a few can pay for training. This project gives 200 youths a year the opportunity to receive quality training in the use of computers and the Internet.

How will this project solve this problem?

We offer rural indigenous youths the chance to receive computer and Internet training in courses especially designed to help them be more successful in school. Partial scholarships are offered to those who cannot afford to pay.

Potential Long Term Impact

This project will build a critical mass of empowered youth who have the skills and self-confidence to help their development and that of their communities. They will be able to obtain better employment and will serve as role models.

Project Message

If this school didn't exist, I would probably be working in agriculture. Most of the people that I grew up with are working now. I'm pretty much the only one who is still going to school.
- Oswaldo, 16-year old receiving training during 2007

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a Microsoft Word file (projdoc.doc).

Resources