Daniel and I spent the day with four of our teen reading promoters who were able to come to Guatemala City to attend the International Book Fair. The kids had the proud pleasure of being introduced to our colleagues who do literacy work around the country, browse through all kinds of books, watch other storytellers…
Last Saturday our teen reading promoters met the challenge of reading to their first group of children. They invited 24 kids to a small one-day reading festival. They planned and organized, purchased materials, decorated the room, prepared a craft activity (see bunny ears!) and their stories, and then read and had fun with the kids….
Rosmery is 18, but she is only beginning high school. Her parents are not educated, are extremely poor and have not been very supportive of her education. She is one of six children and her older sister does not go to school. She wants to become a teacher and her eyes light up when she…
In our Leaders and Readers program we will provide scholarships (to attend high school) and leadership training to seven teens who, in return, will give back to their communities by leading reading activities with the younger children in Concepcion. During my trip I interviewed the candidates and met their families. The program will begin in…
Julio Cesar is 16 years old and wants to become a teacher. He’ll start high school in January where he’ll begin to specialize in teaching courses. His eyes reflect a thoughtful intention when he talks about working with children. He is the oldest of five children (baby not in photo), and speaks Kaqchikel at home…
17-year-old Daniel is one of five children. His father died six years ago and so his mother raises them all herself. He was sent to live with some relatives for a few years to help pay for his schooling and care. He has two more years of schooling to complete his accounting diploma. None of…
Marcela is a 14-year-old girl with nine brothers and sister, and a voice of her own! I was impressed by her application letter which did not mimic the high-flown, formal tone that gets used in these circumstances. Just five years ago her father considered students lazy good-for-nothings who were simply trying to avoid working in…
Carlos will start high school in January. He is one of twelve children and wants to become an accountant. Hid parents did not complete elementary school, but they encourage him in his studies. Click tiny arrows below to enjoy photos of preschoolers with books we donated.
Heidy is in junior high school and wants to become a doctor. She discovered this about herself when she aided a boy with a machete wound. Her desire to help others will serve her well as a reading promoter in our program. Her father earns about $130 a month at a bakery. Heidy’s schooling costs,…