Creating Educational Opportunity for Maya Children

Panabaj Primary School was fortunate to have a group of undergraduate students from Ohio State University raise money to paint the school. The volunteers provided a much needed face lift to the school, which sat idle since 2005 after damage from Hurricane Stan forced the school community to relocate to a provisional building. The group kept busy over the course of two weeks, painting the bathrooms and the exterior walls. They took advantage of the two week inter-school sports tournament so as not to interrupt classes.  Teachers , students and parents then finished up inside the classrooms the following week. Teacher Jaime Martin Chipir Sajquiy spoke about the volunteers: “It is a surprise that they have painted a school stained by Hurricane Stan and that they came to give life to a healthy and pleasing school.”

Before the volunteer group arrived and just in time for the rainy season when dark clouds block the sun and make classrooms dark, we completed repairs to the school’s electrical circuits, bringing lights to classrooms, bathrooms, and kitchen.  Kids and teachers are excited to finally be able to light their classrooms. In addition, several of the classrooms that were missing doors have now been secured with sturdy metal doors. Window frames have also been fixed, securing the school property from possible break-ins.

Many thanks to the Ohio State University students and all of you who have contributed to rebuilding Panabaj Primary School. Your help is creating a safe and beautiful learning environment for over 200 students!