Project Report
| Aug 29, 2014
Back to School
![Back to School]()
Back to School
That's right, it's that bitter sweet end of summer season here in the United States when we're buying books and filling backpacks and sending children back to school. It's a season of new beginnings, of growth, of potential.
Meanwhile, in Guatemala, we're deep into that growth with our group of 40 scholars across 4 communities. Every year, the pinnacle of growth is achieved at our annual retreat. All of our scholars come together to spend a weekend building relationships, being inspired, and deepening their understanding of the responsibility they have to change the world around them. This year's retreat was a huge success. Games were played, speakers enjoyed, and lessons learned. As the weekend wrapped up,
Santiago - a third-year scholar from the rural farming community of Los Morales - said,
"Before participating in the Reading Village program I used to be different, I've changed in a very positive way. It has improved my vocabulary, my participation with peers, my public speaking. This program has changed my life." That is, of course, exactly what education does - it changes lives. Education unlocks possibilities, builds skills, increases incomes, and alleviates poverty. This retreat was a chance to watch that unfold, it was a chance for our teens to set down their books and process the magnitude of the work they are doing to transform lives in rural Guatemala.
While our scholars are working away in Guatemala, here's what we've been up to during this busy back to school season:
- Mark Your Calendars: From September 3rd-10th, all recurring donations give on Global Giving will be matched 100%. We're looking for five donors to pledge $25 per month, will you be one of them? Make a monthly gift right now.
- We Need Your Vote: We're proud to announce that two of our photos have been selected as finalists in the annual Global Giving photo contest. The photo with the most votes will win $1000 - that's enough to send a teen to high school for two years! We'd be so grateful if you'd head over and vote for the Reading Village images. Vote for #1 and vote for #2.
- Announcing Our Partnership with Amazon Smile: We're excited to announce that Amazon has agreed to donate 0.5% of every eligible purchase to Reading Vilage. It's easy, just head over to Amazon Smile and search for Reading Village. After you select our organization all you have to do is start shopping and when you check out you'll be making a donation at no additional cost. Happy Back to School Shopping!
From everyone at Reading Village - we're wishing you a wonderful back to school season! Thank you for helping us change lives.
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