In February, 31 volunteers travelled to Guatemala with us and helped Santa Lucía middle school celebrate the inauguration of their Textbook Program.

It was a momentous occasion, filled with sunshine, laughter, music, dancing, and some very important words spoken by leaders of the local community. Today we’d like to share what they said with you! We’re convinced that this is a school full of poets, because their words on the importance of education were dazzling. Take it all in—these words were meant for YOU!

“Where there is education, there are no classes.”

Guatemala textbook program middle school

“Ignorance leads to servitude, education to freedom.”

Guatemala textbook program middle school

“An investment in learning pays the highest interest of all.”

Guatemala textbook program middle school

“Education is the most powerful tool you can use to change the world.”

Guatemala textbook program middle school

© Rebecca Wilks, Skyline Images

“Education is not preparation for life—it is life itself.”

Guatemala textbook program middle school

“Education is the movement from darkness to light.”

Guatemala textbook program middle school

“Education is not the filling of a vessel, but the lighting of a fire.”

Guatemala textbook program middle school

© Rebecca Wilks, Skyline Images

“The educated person is the one who has learned how to learn and how to change.”

Guatemala textbook program middle school

“Children must be taught how to think, not what to think.”

Guatemala textbook program middle school

© Rebecca Wilks, Skyline Images

Thanks to YOU, Santa Lucía will achieve a higher level of education. The Textbook Program gives teachers a resource so that they don’t have to spend precious class time dictating information for their students to copy, and that means they can truly light their students’ minds with the fire of critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and a lifelong desire to learn.

Augusto Yac, the mayor of Santa Lucía, said this about you, dear CoEd supporters:

“In this century, we need to build bridges of development, understanding, wisdom, and knowledge. You are the bridge-builders. Thank you.”