The Challenge
- 2 million Guatemalan children, mostly girls, lack access to education.
- Only 4 out of 5 children graduate from elementary school.
- 60% of the indigenous population is illiterate.
- X% of student abandon their education due to a lack of Spanish language mastery.
The HELPS Solution
In response to this crisis, HELPS partnered with the community of Santa Avelina, a remote community in the Ixil triangle, to establish the William M. Botnan School in 1998. This unique school offers:
- High quality education teachers undergo continuous training from US teachers exceeding the local standards of expertise.
- Bilingual education for the first 3 years students learn in the Ixil language, then transition to Spanish. Facilitating the adaptation of the student to learn in Spanish.
- Safe classrooms creating a nurturing learning environment.
- High parent involvement fostering a strong school-community connection.
- Values Based Learning teaching good citizenship and morals to guide the students.
By addressing these critical needs, HELPS empowers students in Santa Avelina to develop the skills necessary to break the cycle of poverty and become future leaders in their community and beyond.
Impact
192
students are attending HELPS’ primary school from pre-K to sixth grade, including the Early stimulation program.
555
students have graduated from HELPS’ primary school since 1998.
US$ 3.2
million has been the economic impact since the beginning of the program.
80
books have been written and illustrated in Cotzal Ixil for emerging readers of all ages.
Get Involved
Helps International Inc.
Has been assisting the people of Guatemala for 40 years providing medical services, wood burning efficient stoves, education and farming services.