As in most countries, there is already an educational system in Guatemala--basic infrastructures are in place such as school buildings, desks, and teachers. The quality of education, however, is very poor. The greatest reason for this is the lack of textbooks and other learning materials. Often as much as 80% of each class period is wasted in copying text and diagrams from the blackboard--information which could be provided much more effectively in textbooks.

Furthermore, many students fail to develop proper study skills because they have no books to take home for further reading and investigation. These factors result in low enthusiasm, poor performance, and high drop-out rates.