GUATEMALA
THE OPEN WINDOWS STORY
GUATEMALA: THE OPEN WINDOWS STORY
- Schools that hold classes half a day, Teachers with a high school education, An average adult educational level of fourth grade, A poverty rate of 55 %, 50 % of all children advancing past 6th grade-
In 2001 three women viewed the low level of education of the people in their small Guatemalan town, San Miguel Dueñas, and decided to do something about it. They started a reading group for primary school children. With schools only open half of each day, the program was held in the afternoons.
Over time the p r o g r a m expanded and became more s t r u c t u r e d. Starting with just a couple of adults reading to children and getting them interested in books, it became a formal after-school program. The mission expanded to support the children in primary school by helping them with their homework in all subjects, encouraging as many as possible to continue beyond the primary years and providing scholarships to those whose parents could not afford it.
Over 5,000 children have been served in the after-school program; over 250 children have received scholarships to attend middle school, high school and even college.
Over 1,300 families have healthier homes through the installation of eco-stoves which increase disposable income and prevent health problems by removing the smoke from open fires. The students also receive medical and dental exams and treatments, reducing their missed days both in school and the after-school program.
Open Windows relies on donations from individuals, businesses and non-profits, primarily in the US, Guatemala and Canada. In addition, when volunteers build a house for a family or install ecostoves, they pay for the costs of the house or stoves, allowing Open Windows to devote its funds directly to educating the population.
United Nations Women’s Guild has been a long time supporter, providing funds to maintain and update the computer lab, purchase books for the library and buy school supplies for the children. We are grateful for the support from the Guild and all other individuals and groups helping to improve the lives of Guatemalan children. July, 2024