Our Challenge
As a country, Guatemala has been making progress in educating its youth. But when 42% of the popular is 14 years old or younger, a strong educational background is absolutely vital. The latest statistics show that preschool enrollment hovers around 30%, and while many may enter primary school, only 50% of children will complete it. This figure drops to only 20% in rural areas – a classification that falls on over half of the population.
Our Solution
In 2007, Bring Me A Book established a connection with Esperanza Juvenil, an organization run by Boys Hope Girls Hope that is dedicated to providing Guatemalan youth with the opportunity to pursue their education with the eventual goal of attending college.
In June, two Bring Me A Book high school interns spent two weeks in the Esperanza Juvenil homes, setting up a library with 180 brand new hardcover books and introducing our First Teachers program. First Teachers taught Esperanza Juvenil staff and older youth how to read aloud to the younger members, turning reading into a self-sustaining community activity.
"Reading aloud is not a part of [Guatemalan] culture like it is in ours. However, once we introduced the concept, they really enjoyed it and are on the road to making it a daily routine."
—Kelsey, high school intern
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Following the success of First Teachers, we also delivered a new Book Bag Library to Esperanza Juvenil, adding 200 more beautiful books to their collection. Children of all ages are able to use these books to ignite their passion to read, and pave the way for their future success in the Esperanza Juvenil scholars program, and eventually in college.
"The collection is amazing! The timing is perfect because everyone is fired up about reading with [interns] Matt and Kelsey, and now we're launched with an incredible collection."
—Esperanza Juvenil Director Kristin Ostby city and locale
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In total, Esperanza Juvenil received:- 180 high quality, hardcover books, all in Spanish.
- A brand new Book Bag Library with:
- 200 high quality, hardcover books, all in Spanish
- 65 Book Bags to transport book from Esperanza Juvenil to home
- 2 First Teachers Workshops
- One for Esperanza Juvenil staff
- One for older Esperanza Juvenil youth
- The companionship of 2 high school interns!
Sources (+ Esperanza Juvenil brochure):
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