The COVID-19 pandemic has sent home more than 4 million children and youths in Guatemala. The already fragile education system within the country seems more threatened than ever. This program that will benefit more than 100 families seeks to improve the mental health of students, teachers, and parents, reduce the digital gap and facilitate learning and educational enrichment now and in case of future educational disruptions.
As a result of the pandemic, education has changed dramatically with the rise of online learning, and remote teaching. In Guatemala, where not every student has a desk, digital device, internet access, books and materials at home, online learning can be challenging. Students, parents and teachers have expressed experiencing anxiety, fear, stress and worries under the current circumstances. COVID-19 is taking an emotional toll.
The program will provide: 1. Online courses for the psychologists on how to better provide psychological support to students, teachers and parents remotely. 2. 100 tablets for students that will help them to increase their effectiveness and learning capacity. 3. 100 data SIM cards for students in order to provide internet access to attend online classes and continue with enrichment classes. 4. 100 headphones for students that will help them to reduce problems of noise and distractions.
Casasito's long-term goals are that all students increase their concentration, learning, and performance during online classes in order to successfully graduate from school. Through their participation in the telepsychology courses, the psychologists of the organization will learn how to better support families to deal with anxiety, fears, depression and stressful situations during and after the pandemic. It is expected that more than 100 families will benefit from the program.
