Bringing technology to rural schools in Guatemala

     Angtigua is only 45 minutes from San Martin and is a  tourist destination where restuarant and hotel owners cater to visitors from the United States, Canada, and Europe. A high school dipolma, computer skills, and English is required to apply for work, however, young adults in San Martin, Jilotepeque cannot compete for these jobs. 

     Without computer skills their chances to advance are grim. They are doomed to return to the fields - a hoe and shovel will be their tools for the rest of their lives.

     We are assisting 20 young adults with tuition to attend a basic computer class.  This is a start. Unlike almost every household in the United States, families here do not have a computer, internet or a printer at home.  

     Recently we had a job opening for a part-time nurse and  interviewed several young women for the position. We couldn't hire any of them because they had no computer skills. They had never used a computer.  Even in the remote areas where we work computer skills are needed:  Excel - keeping track of inventory in our pharmacy; Word - to write simple reports; e-mail - to refer patients to hospitals and clinics in Guatemala City.  

     Basic English is required in some curriculums, however, the teachers do not speak English so they cannot teach it.  When students have computers in their schools they can practice English using software pre-loaded on the computers. Typing skills are also required so students can learn to type on the computers. 

     There are hundreds of students waiting for computers for their schools. Your contribution to our technology program will benefit young people far beyond their classroom and will assure them a better chance for a meantingful job.

Links:

• Visit our website