Children and teachers living in rural Mayan villages do not have the opportunity to gain computer skills. Our project will install 155 computers at 10 critically under-served schools. We will provide computer training for 70 teachers, who will use this information to teach 2,500 students math, science, and reading skills using age-appropriate educational software. This education will provide better opportunities for the children, the teachers, and the community as a whole.
Rural Guatemalan schools are plagued with insufficient teaching materials. The children are eager to learn and the teachers want to teach, but there are no suitable resources. The majority of teachers and none of the students or parents have ever used a computer. If a child wishes to get an education and move beyond their village, they need computer skills-- as well as reading, math, and science skills -- in order to succeed. 2,500 students in 10 schools are waiting for computers.
In 2013, we installed 135 computers in 10 rural schools with remarkable success. The children excelled using the computers and within three months their grades improved dramatically. Students living in rural villages must attend schools in urban areas after 9th grade and without computer skills they are at a huge disadvantage. Introducing computers in the elementary schools gives these students a clear lead over students without computer skills.
Text books are scarce or non existent. The national government provides 1 workbook for every 2 students. Seventy percent of adults are illiterate. Teachers have no materials in the classrooms. Computers will change the way kids learn and how teachers teach. Adults can attend literacy classes. With computer skills the students can better compete for scholarships so they can attend high school. With a brighter future they will no longer be destined to work in the corn fields for $3 a day.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
