| Frequently Asked Questions |
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Don't see your particular question? Email it to literacyproject@fuse.net. |
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 What is the GLP?
The GLP is a partnership between North American and Guatemalan Rotary clubs and the non-profit organization Cooperative for Education.
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 What is CoEd’s (Cooperative for Education’s) role?
CoEd is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides on-the-ground assistance, training, and follow-through for GLP projects. CoEd’s staff of 41 in Guatemala and 8 in the U.S. provide instruction at GLP computer centers, training to textbook program teachers, and help manage and oversee GLP programs, once they are established. In the U.S., CoEd provides some administrative support to the GLP in the form of mailings, the newsletter, and website. All of CoEd’s services in the U.S. and Guatemala are provided to the GLP free of charge.
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 Why Guatemala?
Guatemala has one of the lowest literacy rates in the Western Hemisphere. In some regions, nearly two out of every three adults cannot read or write.
A contributing factor to Guatemala's literacy crisis is the near-absence of reading materials. Over 90% of schools lack textbooks and library books; most have no computers. Guatemalan schoolchildren graduate without the skills needed to get good jobs and break the cycle of poverty.
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 How can I help?
Simply click here to learn ways you can help the children of Guatemala!
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 Where does the money go?
100% of GLP donations go directly to purchasing books, library materials, computer hardware, and training in Guatemala. 0% goes to administration or fundraising.
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 How many Rotarians are involved in this project?
Over the past 11 years, over 320 Rotary Clubs in Canada, Cayman Islands, Guatemala, Japan, Puerto Rico and the United States have contributed to the GLP. For a complete list of these clubs, click here. 52 Rotary Districts have also donated funds to our projects. 125 Rotary Volunteers have traveled to Guatemala with us on our Project Tours.
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 Can we visit the projects in Guatemala?
YES! Click here to learn more about Guatemala Project Tours.
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 Is this project sustainable?
The most innovative aspect of this program is that it is financially self-sufficient. Rental programs are set up in each school in which students pay the school a small fee to use a set of textbooks (4 books) for the year. This creates a fund for replacing the books as they wear out, guaranteeing that the program will survive in perpetuity.
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 What is a Guatemala Literacy Fellow (GLF)?
GLF’s are awards given to your club for participation in the GLP. They are similar to Paul Harris Fellows. For every $1,000 (U.S.) contributed by your club, you earn the right to name one GLF. This Fellow will be awarded a 14 carat gold pin along with a certificate. He or she will be listed in perpetuity in the World Registry of Guatemala Literacy Fellows. This awards program is managed by the Rotarians who lead the GLP with administrative assistance from CoEd.
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Can the GLP provide speakers for our club to learn more?
Depending on where you are geographically located, you may be able to have a GLP Rotarian come speak to your club. Contact the GLP Regional Coordinator closest to you to see if this is an option. |
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 Can our club seek matching funds for our contribution?
Your club's contributions can be matched at least two-to-one by your district (District Designated Funds, DDF) and Rotary International. We will help guide you through the process of securing these funds. So, for every dollar you raise, at least 3 dollars go to the project in Guatemala. Just think, your contributions can be matched 3 to 1 through district and TRF matching funds – and we do all the paperwork!
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 How does the matching grant process work?
Once your club makes a pledge, we will assist you in requesting matching funds from your district. The process is easy, all you have to do is contact your DRFC (District Rotary Foundation Chair) and have him/her sign a grant form (provided by the GLP). Then, the GLP will combine your district’s contribution with those from other clubs & districts. The GLP will then submit these combined contributions to The Rotary Foundation (TRF) to receive additional matching funds.
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Will my club receive Paul Harris Fellow credit for its contribution?
The key to getting Paul Harris Fellow credit is making sure that your district provides matching funds for your club’s contribution. If it does, then GLP leaders will submit your contributions to TRF as part of a matching grant, where they will receive Paul Harris credit if the grant is approved.
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Would CoEd like contact with other groups working in Guatemala, education, etc.?
If they are working in secondary education in Guatemala in the region we serve, we’d be happy to talk to them. Otherwise a collaboration may not be the best fit. |
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| Don't see your particular question? Email it to literacyproject@fuse.net. |
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