The two decades following the end of World War II were filled with excitement and challenge as the forces of good had just overcome the forces of evil. The US had beat Germany to the bomb and was in a race to beat the Soviet Union into space. The very definition of “American” was clarified…
This past January, I had the opportunity to participate in the opening ceremonies in two of our five partner communities. I was in awe of all of the symbolism wrapped into this special Ceremony of Light. From the traditional cloth beneath the flowers and candles that represents the Mayan culture and diversity; to the flowers that…
A few years ago I was invited to China to teach a master workshop on facilitation and leadership. During the first day I was invited by several of the students to join them for lunch. We sat at a large round table that the waiters soon filled with an array of mouth-watering dishes – roasted…
Every year our youth leaders stand up and make a commitment for the year ahead. This year, we decided to make a commitment to each of you. Happy Valentines Day from everyone at Reading Village.
Founder and Executive Director, Linda Smith, reads with Juanito – the younger brother of two Reading Village Leaders and Readers graduates. Across Guatemala there are two million youth who cannot afford to be in school. We believe that is two million too many. Thanks to you, Juanito will never be part of this statistic. Juanito…
Founder and Executive Director, Linda Smith, speaks with recent program and high school graduate, Juana Estela, who spent four years promoting literacy among hundreds of children in her community. Across Guatemala there are two million youth who cannot afford to be in school. We believe that is two million too many. Thanks to you, Juana Estela…
November marks the end of the Guatemalan school year as well as the Reading Village program year. And so we gathered with our partner communities to celebrate this year’s successes and the high school graduations of the youth leaders who have completed our program. This year 50 teens reached 2,500 children with regular and dynamic…
“I want to go to university,” Beverly declared to me. Her bright eyes and ease belying the difficult path that led this 14-year-old to interview for a high school scholarship. “I never knew my father, and my mother never even reached third grade. But I dream of having a professional job, and I want all…
One note on empathy. It really struck me after listening to staff today and to our scholar in Chuiquel the other day about what school is like for elementary school children here. Most are afraid of their teachers. Although they may no longer physically grab them by the ears or hit them, they still are…
We attended Agustin’s graduation today. Agustin was one of the kids that really didn’t score high on the admissions process, but Daniel (our Program Coordinator) wanted to accept him anyway. I told Daniel that it was on him, then, to make sure Agustin succeeded – and he did! Agustin lives in a small community way down below…