This project ensures that 30 additional Maya youth annually achieve computer literacy, one of the basic skills they need in order to succeed in an educational journey that results in dignified work instead of migration. Grupo Cajola will purchase six additional desktop computers for the Computer Literacy program, part of the Learning Center. The Center offers primary school students two hours of remedial and enrichment classes daily to compensate for the weaknesses in the public school system.
Guatemala's public education system, particularly in rural areas, is widely recognized as well below its Central American peers. Of the 56% of rural students who graduate from sixth grade only 30% reach national standards in reading. The government programs that place computers in schools are inadequate, for example allocating 16 laptops in a primary school of over 400 students. A lack of computer literacy means even youth who stay in school are not prepared to do dignified work.
Purchasing six computers triples the number of our students who complete sixth grade annually with basic computer literacy. Grupo Cajola runs an afterschool learning program which provides two hours daily of remedial and enrichment learning to primary school children. Fifth and sixth graders receive one hour of computer class per week where they learn keyboarding, Office, Excel, and internet navigation. Classes are taught in the Computer Lab by the Coordinator of Technology and Communication.
Research has demonstrated that computer literacy has a significant long-term impact on academic achievement. This project will impact 30 additional members of Cajola's youth this year, and then each year for at least the next 10 years. Computer literacy in primary school will facilitate success in secondary school and hopefully motivate them to continue studying to prepare them for a career with dignified work - avoiding the need to migrate.
