GUATEMALAN LITERACY PROJECT
Guatemala is a third world country with an illiteracy rate averaging
60%. The Guatemalan Literacy Project works to improve the education and
quality of life of the children of Guatemala through fund-raising and
staff development. To that end, four programs have been initiated— one
for the donating of books, one aimed at assisting teachers, one hosting
Guatemalan educators, and one supporting the establishment of the
Guatemalan Reading Association.
LIBRARIES
Providing classroom books for use in Guatemala public school classes is
an essential component of the Guatemalan Literacy Project. In the
project's 17 year history, the Nassau Reading Council's primary
fund-raising efforts have been to provide mini- libraries in Spanish
for the children's use. All profits from the sale of Guatemalan
handicrafts go towards the purchase of these books. As of September
2005, over 200 mini-libraries have been donated.
TEACHERS
Many Guatemalan public school teachers begin their professional careers
after completion of five years of high school with a specialty in
education. The Guatemalan Literacy Project has satisfied the desire for
continuing professional development. To that end, Nassau Reading
Council volunteers travel to Guatemala twice a year, at their own
expense, to present workshops to their Guatemalan colleagues.
HOSTING TEACHERS
Guatemalan educators from the public school sector visit Long Island to
attend professional conferences, visit local school districts and meet
with teachers, students and administrators to gain insight into current
practices in U.S. education.
GUATEMALAN READING ASSOCIATION
The Nassau Reading Council helped to establish the Guatemalan Reading
Association in 1991. Since then, satellite councils have been
established throughout Guatemala. Over 300 educators per month meet
with their Guatemalan counterparts to share ideas on how to stimulate
children's minds and imaginations and ultimately improve the level of
literacy for the students. The success of the Guatemalan Literacy
Project can be measured in many ways. One of the most obvious are the
seven international literacy conferences that have been held in
Guatemala City. At each conference, between 1,500-2,000 Guatemalan
educators gathered to participate in workshops on the latest techniques
and strategies in education. Presenters have traveled from the USA,
Central and South America, Puerto Rico, and New Zealand to participate.
YOU CAN HELP!
100% of the profits raised by the Nassau Reading Council is used to
improve education for the children and teachers of Guatemala. All
administrative services and materials are donated by volunteers. We
appreciate any help you can offer, whether it is money, materials or
supplies. Or, you may consider joining members of the Nassau Reading
Council on a working trip to Guatemala and help present workshops for
Guatemalan teachers. Your participation and contributions go very far
in enriching the education and lives of both the teachers and children
of Guatemala.
Please make checks payable to: Nassau Reading Council-Guatemalan Fund
and return to:
Nassau Reading Council
c/o Marcia Mondschein, Project Director
8 Mayhill Lane
Dix Hills, NY 11746, USA
Phone: 631-643-9196
Fax: 631-643-4395
Email: MGMOND@optonline.net
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