Education: changing lives in Guatemala
“For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
God has a plan for the children of Guatemala. It may not look like it from the outside, but the Bible assures us of this truth. And if we look, we can see His plan at work to bring hope and a future to Guatemala’s children through education.
Look, for example, at the ghetto of La Limonada
In this Guatemalan community, located along a large ravine near Guatemala City, both the chaos of our broken world and God’s power to “work all things together” is on full display.
Considered the largest slum in Central America, La Limonada is home to more than 60,000 Guatemalans, including about 27, 000 children. Trash lines the murky stream that runs through the ravine where thousands of tin-roofed shanties fight for space. Running water and electricity are available to only a lucky few. La Limonada is also considered a red zone; an area with exceptionally high crime rates.
La Limonada
Not surprisingly, La Limonada is one of Guatemala’s poorest communities, with 79% of its people living in poverty and 40% living in extreme poverty. Lack of access to quality education means most adults (over age 15) are unable to read, resulting in high unemployment. And so the cycle of poverty and illiteracy continues from one generation to the next.
Coming together through Christ
But something’s been happening in La Limonada over the past ten years. U.S. and Guatemalan Christians have come together to serve “the least of these” in God’s name.
“Guatemala is a beautiful country rich in culture with beautiful people that just need an opportunity to bridge the gap between poverty and prosperity,” says Jason Powell, founder and chairman of Hope Renewed International (HRI). “Organizations like ours are in a unique position to bridge that gap by providing the necessary tools of education, which are essential to a brighter future.“
Reaching the most vulnerable
Despite their environment, La Limonda’s children have hopes and dreams for the future. Education is key in helping these children attain their dreams and break the poverty cycle.
That’s where private schools, including the Hope Renewed Preschool, are making a difference. Every day, Hope Renewed Preschool provides an accredited curriculum to nearly 60 children (ages 4 to 7). Since its inception in 2012, nearly 500 Hope Renewed students have graduated, learning essential skills including reading, writing and mathematics.
During the coronavirus pandemic, the teachers of Hope Renewed Preschool continue to give lessons remotely to students, using tablets secured through donations, where available. They also offer technical and emotional support to parents, empowering them to help with their children’s education.
Additionally, through HRI’s scholarship program, books and school supplies continue to be distributed to elementary-aged students who are unable to afford them.
Serving the needs of secondary students
Since education is not required beyond the sixth grade and secondary schooling is costly (between $600 and $1,200 per year), only one third of all Guatemalan children continue their education beyond primary school. Yet, a high school diploma or vocational certification is required to attain an average-paying job ($25,000 per year US) in the country.
Since 2010, the Hope Renewed Scholarships program has helped offset tuition costs to Guatemalan students who are motivated to continue their education or return to school, even after a long absence. Adult and adolescent scholars are awarded the resources to study at high schools, vocational schools and universities.
To date, 550 elementary children, adults and adolescents have been awarded HRI scholarships, creating opportunities for more Guatemalans to live out “God’s plan for their lives.”
You can be part of the plan…
Due to the ongoing pandemic, the need for resources to fund Hope Renewed Preschool and Hope Renewed Scholarships has never been greater. If you’re reading this blog, God may be calling on you to be a part of His plan. We ask that you pray for HRI, and if the spirit moves you, please give a donation in any amount. The children of Guatemala are waiting to learn, and they’re counting on our support.