Bringing technology to rural schools in Guatemala

Recently we sat down with a15-year-old student attending Tierra Colorada junior high school.  This village is located about 30 minutes from the town of San Martin, Jilotepque.  We take the opportunity to visit with the students in our scholarship program to learn from them...what are they thinking?  what do they need? what hardships are they enduring to attend school? what problems are they facing every day?

When asked "What do you need for your school?" Brandon answered "A library". He said "We have to read books and write book reports but my friends do not have a scholarship like I have and they cannot afford to buy the books.  I watch them suffer.  We need a library so they can check out the books".   I gave him the task of writing a list of the books they need and possiblty we will be able to help the kids receive the books. 

"Is there anything else you need for your school?" I asked.  "Yes" said Brandon.  "Our computers are 'dinasaurs' and most of them do not work.  We need new computers and the internet at our school.  We want to learn about the world".  

Brandon has to walk 45 minutes to school each way, rain or shine.   When he is not in school or studying he helps his father plant coffee.  Without our scholarship he would be destined to spend his life hoeing fields.  But now he is in 8th grade and he wants to "learn more about the world".     He has a simple request...to learn more about the world.  

Computers and the internet is really Brandon's only hope to see beyond his village and the coffee fields.  This is why our technology program is so vital to the education of the students in San Martin, Jilotepque.   We strive to continue installing computers in rural villages and with your help we will meet our goal!