Transforming Futures is thrilled to announce that we are restarting our education program for students in the Guatemala City garbage dump. The COVID-19 pandemic has threatened the academic futures of hundreds of children, and we’re working to help get them back on track.
Thirty students in first, second, and third grade have started gathering in our Learning Center, where two Transforming Futures teachers are giving lessons focused on making up the skills students failed to learn in the past year due to the pandemic and lockdown.
Transforming Futures teacher Karen Suarez assists Sharon with writing exercises.
Transforming Futures teacher Joseeline Mendez reviews Wendy’s homework
A day in the Learning Center includes a devotional and Bible study.
Joseeline Mendez uses a whiteboard to teach students math equations.
A typical day includes:
· Personalized lessons and feedback
· Help with public school homework
· Breakfast provided by Transforming Futures
· Lunch at our Feeding Center
· A 30-minute devotional and Bible study
Students have fallen behind amid the COVID-19 pandemic and need our support
COVID-19 has created the worst crisis of education in at least a century. Like most students in countries around the world, Guatemalan students have struggled to learn during the pandemic. Public schools shut down in March 2020 and only recently reopened.
Most children in Guatemala City dump were unable to keep up with remote learning because they lacked access to the internet and TV.
This has had devastating effects on their growth. We recently conducted a survey and found that all students have fallen behind in their studies. For example, students who are meant to be reading at or have the math skills of a second-grade level are still only at a first-grade level.
With public schools now reopened, children are attending classes twice a week. But extra studies are needed to make up for the learning lost during the pandemic.
That’s why our education program is so critical. Students spend one day every week in our Learning Center focused on skills missed because of the pandemic.
Will you join us in getting students back on track?
Your generous donation will help us provide school supplies, breakfast, and essential learning equipment, such as a computer and internet.
We’re also providing materials, including masks and hand sanitizer, to guarantee that students stay healthy. We’re complying with COVID-19 regulations by checking temperatures and maintaining space between students in the Learning Center.
With your support, we hope to grow this program to reach more students, provide counseling services to children dealing with trauma, and continue investing in students’ futures.
Thank you for your continued partnership.
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