Unidas Para Vivir Major (UPAVIM) Community Development Foundation, a grassroots organization dedicated to La Esperanza, Guatemala, seeks funds for Montessori teacher training. Through education and community engagement, it aims to break the cycle of poverty and violence and foster a future of opportunity and empowerment for all.
The Guatemalan government has designated La Esperanza as a "Red Zone" community, subject to extremely high levels of poverty, high violence, high gang activity, low access to education and health services, low access to employment, and limited means of public transportation in/out of the community. Families are predominantly led by a single mother or a mother as the primary earner. Parents often pull children from school after 6th grade so they can work and help support the family.
Upon training an elementary Montessori Guide, UPAVIM strives to establish multi-age classrooms through 6th grade. This elementary guide will serve as a facilitator, ensuring the proper implementation of the Montessori method. She will also provide training and professional development opportunities for teachers, ensuring they are well-prepared to work with children. Additionally, UPAVIM aims for her to lead parent workshops covering various topics to support the community in La Esperanza.
UPAVIM wants to have well trained Montessori teachers and well-equipped classrooms, to provide high-quality education from infancy through 6th grade, thus preparing students for success in secondary school and beyond. By offering economic opportunities for women and high-quality education for children, UPAVIM is breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering these individuals to build better futures for themselves and their families.
