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Top 6 Memories from February 2024 Tours

Apr 4, 2024 | CoEd Project Tours, Computer Program | 2 comments

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Once again, we packed our bags and came together with CoEd supporters and Rotarians from all around the world to travel around Guatemala! Travelers got to see the programs in action and celebrate alongside the students, families, and educators who are harnessing CoEd’s programs to create change and opportunity for themselves and their communities.

For both first-time travelers and long-time friends, this February’s tour season was another one for the memory books!

With both the GLP Tour and Snapshot Tour, we have more stories and photos than we can count! Here are our top 6, so you’ll just have to come down on tour next year and see the rest for yourself!

 

#6: Visiting schools across Guatemala

School visits are easily a top moment for all our tour participants, and this tour season was no exception. We visited wonderful program schools in Guatemala, inaugurating brand new and re-inaugurating existing Computer Programs, Textbook Programs, and Spark Reading Programs.

 

 #5: Having fun with the Spark school kids

You don’t have to speak the same language to have fun together! Whether we were blowing bubbles, creating sidewalk art with chalk, or even shooting hoops… playing with the kids is always an adventure filled with laughter, joy, and genuine connection.

#4: Learning about the art of weaving

Another favorite CoEd Tour tradition! Both tours visited a San Juan La Laguna weaving cooperative to learn more about this intricate and culturally significant craft, complete with skilled demonstrations on backstrap looms. Many weaving cooperatives like this one create powerful and ethical career opportunities for local indigenous women to support their families through their beautiful weavings.

#3: Meeting amazing Rise students

Meeting or reconnecting with Rise students is always a heartwarming experience for sponsors. The air was filled with laughter, and even tears of joy, as participants and Rise scholars gathered in small groups with interpreters to spend quality time getting to know each other more.

#2: Experiencing the vibrant culture and local heritage

Unique to each schools’ community, the students’ folklorico performances were absolutely breathtaking, showcasing incredible talent and cultural meaning.

#1: New friends and lifelong connections

New friendships and tons of memories were made as we traveled across the Western Highlands together. Tours consistently remind us that it “takes a village”! When you see compassionate supporters come together with families, educators, community leaders, and CoEd staff, you get that tingly feeling that you’re witnessing something big. Those goosebumps on your arms aren’t just from the chilly nights in the Western Highlands.

You’re seeing CHANGE happen as the young people of Guatemala break the cycle of poverty through perserverence and a quality education.

 

Ready to make your own memories in Guatemala?

See the 2025 Tour Dates!

2 Comments

  1. Christina Carter
    Christina Carter on May 11, 2024 at 9:36 pm

    This is amazing! I would love to know how these computer labs operate in schools with no internet.

    Reply
    • Emily Swisher, CoEd
      Emily Swisher, CoEd on May 14, 2024 at 9:10 am

      Thank you, Christina! For schools that we partner with that maybe don’t have reliable internet access, we utilize a unique device called RACHEL from World Possible to create an “online” learning experience! RACHEL (Remote Area Community Hotspot for Education and Learning) is a portable, battery-powered, device that contains copies of customizable educational websites in an offline format. This means RACHEL can go anywhere in the world and wirelessly deliver free digital educational content to nearby tablets, laptops, or smartphones with no internet or data plans required. This has been an incredible tool within our Computers Program.

      Reply

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