Monthly Archives: November 2008

Rosmery

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…

Our First Group of Reading Promoters

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

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…

Daniel

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

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

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

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,…

Gloria

Gloria is one of eight children and will complete high school next year. Contrary to the Guatemalan school system in which she was taught, Gloria understands that learning and reading should be fun, and she will make a very good reading promoter.

The Town of Concepción

With a population of about a thousand, Concepcion is a agricultural town facing the prospect of not having enough land for the next generation to inherit and live from. An old colonial cathedral marks the center of town. Along with the butcher, there are a few small businesses selling farming supplies, dry goods and such….