Education Opportunities
Building Schools
As is the case throughout Latin America, education, especially rural education, remains one of the most underfunded departments of national budgets.
Current classroom setting
In Guatemala where education is compulsory and free through the six grade, most rural villages remain on a “list” to receive a school building that may never come. Once buildings are granted, the next obstacle to overcome is finding teachers to fill positions. Most teachers remain in the larger cities where they can earn a better income and not have to travel to remote areas to live and work. The lack of educational materials and equipment further complicate the educational outcomes for children in the villages. While urban residents have a 96% literacy rate, most rural residents fall under 25% literacy.
Rotary International and specifically the Rotary Clubs of Marysville and South Everett Mukilteo have led the way in school construction. As part of the funded program, Hands for Peacemaking supplies student and teacher desk, white boards and libraries that will improve the standards of learning. To date, the Rotary Clubs of Marysville and South Everett Mukilteo have funded and built 29 schools.
Rotary & HFPF 4-Room School
Our next phase is to build and promote “middle schools” that will give families more options to further their child’s education. Most rural families that have access to 1st – 6th grade education can not afford to send their child to larger urban areas to continue their education. Our program will bring higher education to the village at a far reduced financial cost to the family. Modern computer labs along with curriculum that will ensure the success of learning will be incorporated into the middle school program.
