“When I’m at the library I read to the younger children who can’t read yet and I talk to them about the importance of respecting and taking good care of the books and games we have. I tell my family that I have found friendships in the books at the school library.” —Irma, sixth grader at Chacayá Primary School
While Irma is fortunate to be able to read and write, her situation is unique. Guatemala has one of the lowest literacy rates in Latin America and only 1 out of 10 rural Guatemalan children graduate from middle school. Widespread illiteracy leads to low economic mobility among rural Guatemalans, especially women and girls.
Pathways to Literacy addresses the harmful effects of illiteracy among indigenous youth in the Lake Atitlán region. Project staff assist school personnel in the preparation and maintenance of child-friendly libraries and the acquisition of age-appropriate materials to build literacy skills among primary age students.
The project also empowers teachers and administrators to take ownership of libraries and their resources. Through teacher training and capacity building activities, we encourage schools to weave literacy into the fabric of their communities. We hope that through Pathways to Literacy, more children like Irma will be able to find confidence and inspiration through reading.
While Irma is fortunate to be able to read and write, her situation is unique. Guatemala has one of the lowest literacy rates in Latin America and only 1 out of 10 rural Guatemalan children graduate from middle school. Widespread illiteracy leads to low economic mobility among rural Guatemalans, especially women and girls.
Pathways to Literacy addresses the harmful effects of illiteracy among indigenous youth in the Lake Atitlán region. Project staff assist school personnel in the preparation and maintenance of child-friendly libraries and the acquisition of age-appropriate materials to build literacy skills among primary age students.
The project also empowers teachers and administrators to take ownership of libraries and their resources. Through teacher training and capacity building activities, we encourage schools to weave literacy into the fabric of their communities. We hope that through Pathways to Literacy, more children like Irma will be able to find confidence and inspiration through reading.
How you can help: Become a Book Buddy!
The ideal ratio for school libraries is 10 books per student, and you can help our partner schools reach that goal. Your donation buys age- and reading level-appropriate books in Spanish and local Mayan languages for elementary school students.
Your gift of...
$100 = 20 books
$250 = 50 books
$500 = 100 books
...in the hands of primary school students here on Lake Atitlán!
*All coffee-involved Book Buddies will be listed on our website’s Coffee Industry Partners page.