We empower children to use creativity, critical thinking and literacy to become innovative problem solvers. This project will provide dignified, creative and meaningful education for 110 rural Maya school children and will support our traveling library outreach program that visits 8 community schools on a weekly basis.
Rural schools in Guatemala function with the bare necessities...a chalkboard, wooden desks, miniature chairs and dusty shelves. School supplies are scarce and books are nearly non-existent. For those students who are lucky enough to attend school , most will learn to read. However, very few will experience the joy of having adventures in reading. Even fewer will receive a dignified education that celebrates and honors culture while providing the essential tools for academic success.
Eight years ago, La Puerta Abierta opened the first creative, nonconventional school in Santiago Atitlan. Within our center, we have nurtured an environment for our learners that is inviting, educational, and stimulating. Our staff has designed a creative curriculum that embraces art and exploration. We strive to educate the whole child by offering a variety of learning opportunities via music, body movement, out-door education, sports and theater. We celebrate cultural identity and tradition.
Our project encourages children to use creativity, critical thinking and literacy to become innovative problem solvers, while honoring their cultural identity. Through developing their individual talents and confidence, they will become future agents of change and leaders in their community and beyond.
This project has provided additional documentation in a DOCX file (projdoc.docx).
