By Helena Murphy | Communications and Fundraising Manager
Kofi Annan was once quoted as saying ‘Literacy unlocks the door to learning throughout life, is essential to development and health, and opens the way for democratic participation and active citizenship."
In Guatemala, 83% of adults (over 15 years of age) are literate. However, this rate is lower in impoverished regions like Alta Verapaz, where CasaSito runs its literacy program. It is even lower among indigenous populations, and continues to decline for indigenous women.
In 2024, seven indigenous Mayan women completed the literacy and mathematics courses and are now advancing to the next level. These essential life skills are benefiting not only the individual participants, but so too their families.
Testimonials from course participants
'I had previously taken classes at CONALFA, but I didn't learn anything because the teacher didn't show up to give classes. Here it was very different, the teacher taught us well and if we didn't understand, he would explain it to us again. Additionally, we went three times a week.
'In the classes I am learning to read, write, multiply, add and subtract, now I can help my son with some of his homework.'
Thanks to your support, this year, we are able to expand access to this program to the wider community. The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, with several men and women expressing a strong desire to learn. Many are motivated by the requirement to have at least a sixth-grade education for their jobs, while others are driven by a desire to improve their Spanish language skills, as their native language is Poqomchi'.
The program will begin on March 3rd this year with 16 adults registered. Over the course of the year, participants will progress through their levels, with guidance and support from our literacy teachers:
Initial level: 5 participants with no prior formal education
Level 1: 7 participants who have passed at least first grade at school
Level 2: 4 participants who have completed level 1
By Helena Murphy | Communications and Fundraising Manager
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