By Concepcion Pablo Lacan with Julia V. Pretsfelder | Social Programs & Development Team
Our Mano a Mano students are looking forward to 2019 as they take their first steps in achieving their academic goals this year.
Usually, the beginning of the schoolyear is a stressful time for families across Guatemala. The cost of school supplies is a substantial economic strain for families who struggle to make ends meet. Their inability to pull together sufficient funds to buy school supplies to support their kids’ education can be embarrassing and disincentivizing for students who feel that education is not their priority in an economically trying time for indigenous Guatemalan communities. In spite of the dark news for indigenous Guatemalans fleeing a nation that offers them little economic opportunity, discrimination, and government corruption that hearkens back to the War, the beginning of this schoolyear was a happy moment for our Mano a Mano families. Thanks to our donors, parents and students alike were grateful and happy to receive a backpack and school supplies, necessary for celebrating the beginning of the new year.
Two of our students, Yulisa and Concepción, are excited as they will finish their professional degrees in education this year. They have long dreamed of working with preschool students and have already started their “prácticas” where they work as assistant teachers for four year olds. The work is tiring, but they have a hopeful outlook and are learning a great deal.
Pedro and Israel have experienced big changes this year as they have entered high school! While the academics are new and challenging, reaching the goal of attending high school is an inspiring achievement. Israel has been a wonderful example for his younger sisters, who he has taught how to use the computers in our offices, going as far as to help them with his homework. Students like him are positive role models for neighbors and friends as well as they have the initiative to succeed and enjoy being part of an educational program as it helps them progress.
Mano a Mano is giving the opportunity of a better future to these students through offering them academic support as an education is a primary goal in life for students of this generation.
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