EDUCATION OVERVIEW

In Guatemala today, where only 42% of rural children finish primary school, the average length of study is a pitiful. 3.5 years. The indigenous, particularly girls, are shorted even more with only one half going on to begin second grade. The Guatemalan government spends a smaller percentage of its GNP on public education than does any other Latin American nation and, to make matters worse, spends around one half of those funds (per capita) on rural Mayan schools. Not surprising, Guatemala has the highest rate of illiteracy in the region.

Just prior to GHA’s arrival at Lake Atitlan in 2010, tropical storms had stalled over the Highlands resulting in massive landslides Not only were countless homes demolished but many families lost all of their possessions, making the cost of sending their children to school completely out of reach. It was immediately obvious that in addition to new homes, we would need to raise money for scholarships if children weren’t to be left further behind. As of 1/1/25 we have been able to provide 350 scholarships. Since 2011 we have added preschool classes to give these children a headstart in the classroom and tutoring classes should they fall behind.

In Guatemala, MESA is locally known as Construyendo Alianzas...Building Alliances.   Having been guided by the community itself and our entirely indigenous staff, we have opted to prioritize education.