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| How It Works |
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 The Guatemala Literacy Project matches Rotary clubs in North America with needy schools in Guatemala. These clubs raise funds to purchase textbooks, library materials and/or computers. Contributions typically range from $1,000 to $5,000. 100% of funds collected go to the hard costs of the project. Not a cent goes to administration or fundraising.
The project is implemented jointly by North American and Guatemalan Rotary clubs & districts and the Cooperative for Education (CoEd).
Textbooks | Computer Centers | Mini-Libraries | Self-Sufficiency Component | Benefits
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 Textbooks
This program brings vital textbooks to impoverished Guatemalan middle school children. Studies show that the use of books in the classroom improves grades by up to 30% and comprehension, retention, and interest in subject matter by over 70%. These books, printed in Spanish, are in the core subjects of math, science, Spanish and social studies. |
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Computer Centers
Guatemala has a 25% unemployment rate for unskilled labor. There are simply too many unskilled people and not enough land or jobs to support them. Yet, on the other hand, there are significant opportunities for those who have skills, especially computer skills.
According to a study by the Interamerican Development Bank, computer technology imported into Guatemala in recent years has grown by over 500%. In addition, 80% of mid-level jobs require computer skills.
Most schoolchildren in the impoverished rural areas of Guatemala have never had access to technology. Thus they continue to fall behind their urban peers. Our program seeks to bridge this divide by creating computer centers within underprivileged schools. |
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 Mini-Libraries
One of the contributing factors to the low literacy rate in Guatemala is the lack of available reading materials. Most rural children have never read a book. By setting up mini-libraries within schools, books that capture children's imagination and encourage reading are made available, as well as reference and teaching materials that enhance classroom learning. This is a highly collaborative program: Teachers at each recipient school work with library experts to form a list of needed materials along with a concrete plan of how they'll be used. This ensures that all library materials will directly improve the education level at the school. |
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Self-Sufficiency Component
The most innovative aspect of these projects is that they are 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 and/or the computer centers. This creates a fund for replacing the books and computers as they wear out. |
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Benefits
- Empowers local people to help themselves. It's not a "giveaway."
- Is self-sustaining after initial investment.
- Improves grades by up to 30% and the overall quality of education by 70%.
- Collaborates with a highly-regarded non-profit organization, Cooperative for Education (CoEd), with over ten years' experience in the region.
- Benefits a rural, indigenous population, historically the target of discrimination and marginalization.
- Enjoys strong relationships with Rotary clubs in Guatemala that oversee the projects.
- Not a cent of the money raised goes toward administration or fundraising.
- Gives "Guatemala Literacy Fellow" credit.
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