Change the lives of 200 Mayan Families

The new school year in Guatemala began in January, and in 2023 GHA continues to focus on supporting education. In addition to the workshops and tutoring programs we have in 4 communities around Lake Atitlan, we have, with great enthusiasm, begun teaching a preschool class.

Guatemala is a country of 15 million people, and of those an estimated 44-60% are indigenous Maya.  Bilingual education is rare, and a child's first introduction to Spanish is when they enter 1st grade.   Often kids have to repeat the grade, and although school is legally compulsory until 6th grad, the average indigenous child studies less than 3 years and often leaves school before becoming literate.   With the economy being so harsh, we are seeing more and more young children dropping out to help support the family.

With that in mind, GHA is really focused on literacy, adding continuing education classes for our teachers.   While mainstream classes are taught by rote, with few or no books, and with little attention to student participation, our teachers are learning to infuse reading with enthusiasm and encourage children to interact, to be creative, to think and analyze. Our hope is that, even if a child needs to opt for work over school, at least they will have the basic tools of reading and math literacy.

GHA continues laying floors, supporting scholarships for students....and amazing 45 this year, including 12 in college.....and providing workshops for the mothers of these students.  And GHA has coordinated with Water4life International to distribute more than 1000 water filters, thus saving families money, promoting health and keeping ubiquitious disposables out of the waste system.

On behalf of all who benefit, we send abundant thanks for your generocity.