PoP’s Expansion: Improving Education for Guatemala’s Most Vulnerable Populations
Written by: Team PoP October 14th, 2011Today we have a very special report from one of our PoP staff members in Guatemala! Our recent expansion to the Boca Costa region is highlighted with some amazing details, which are sure to inspire all supporters of the PoP Movement. Check it out!
Boca Costa is located in the southwest region of Guatemala where the climate is warm, the people are friendly and palm trees can be seen at every turn. Most residents utilize the humid climate and cultivate plantations comprised of coffee and banana trees, sugar, corn and rubber trees. Although Boca Costa may be rich in natural beauty, its access to education is frightfully poor. This tropical area is known for being one of the most underserved regions in Guatemala, where both educational and medical services are limited. As a result of poverty and limited resources, this area currently has one of the highest infant and maternal mortality rates in Guatemala.
When PoP decided to expand 3 hours south via poorly paved roads in order to increase access to education for the most vulnerable populations in Guatemala, we did not know what to expect. What we ended up encountering included amazing stories of triumph and smiling energetic children.
Juan is a teacher in the town of Yoxaja who has overcome physical hardships and stereotypes to set an example for his students. Juan managed to create a successful career for himself in which he not only dedicates his days to teaching but has also committed his existence to serving as a life lesson for his community. Juan is an amazing example, demonstrating the potential for education to be a gateway to a better future. His students see that even with a physical disability he was able to graduate from school and continue on to enrich the lives of others, proving that they can do it too!
PoP plans to continue scouting schools throughout the Boca Costa region for the next three months to assess where the highest need is. Our initiative is to find schools where students ability to attend and concentrate is limited due to infrastructure – where students are learning outside or without a roof and bring education to where there otherwise wouldn’t be any, If a student does not have the proper educational components then they will not reach their fullest potential. PoP knows that we have future leaders in these classrooms and we want to unleash their true potential by providing them with a place to grow and learn!
Tags: Building schools in Guatemala, From the Field, Guatemala, The PoP Movement
