Guatemala
is the most illiterate country in Latin America. In
some rural areas where we work nearly three out of
every four people that cannot read or write. This
project seeks to attack the roots of illiteracy by
making reading materials available to Guatemalan schoolchildren.
We have two types of library programs:
Primary School Program:
Provides story books, flash cards, games, puzzles
and school supplies to primary schools to assist children
in acquiring basic literacy skills.
"The books and other materials help our children
learn to read and write. We've never had these resources
before. It really makes a difference." --Mayra
Perez Fuentes, Principal, Esperanza-Chilatz Primary
School, Alta Verapaz.
Secondary School Program:
Provides mini-libraries to schools that are already
successfully managing a Cooperative for Education
textbook program. These libraries contain encyclopedias
and reference materials as well as excellent literature
from Guatemalan and international authors.
"It's just amazing to see these kids reading.
It's the first time in their lives that they've had
books. I even see them during recess, sitting with
books in their hands, reading.... They're seeing for
the first time that there's a big world out there."
--Sister Kris Schrader, Principal, La Labor Secondary
School, near Guatemala City.
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