Guatemala, Sololá Phase I & II

CONTEXT

Guatemala’s population suffers from low-quality education due to a lack of teachers. In rural areas in particular, no state support means school infrastructure is lacking – few (or sometimes no) teachers are available. As a result, indigenous Guatemalans are highly disadvantaged, making building schools in rural villages absolutely essential.

We believe that only full and free access to education, for all people, will enable social change, lead to sustainable development, and foster a self-determined way of life.

During construction

After construction

Project Type

Phase I: 4 furnished classrooms + toilets

Phase II: 4 classrooms

Construction Period:

Phase I: August 2018 – June 2019

Phase II: March 2021 – May 2022

Budget I

45.560 €

Budget II

40.000 €

Children

525

Partner

Acronis

Donor

Acronis

PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION PHASE I

The Escuela Oficial Urbana Mixta San Antonio is a school center consisting of one pre-primary, one primary, and two secondary schools. Currently, the 525 pupils in attendance share 10 classrooms, leading to significant overcrowding.

The school’s Committee of Parents sent its official application to Esperanza e.V. and asked for an extension to the building. Three additional classrooms were built to create an adequate learning environment. The new construction ensures smaller class sizes and allows more space for the high-demand classes.

To foster local ownership of the school building project, parents and the village committee were involved in the construction. In addition to the architects, representatives from Esperanza e. V. regularly visits the school to oversee the development. The architect, Luis Alberto Palacios, was available on-site to host donors and share details about the building’s history and the indigenous community.

PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION PHASE II

Since this school is the only one in the area that hosts all grade levels up until university, it has grown in popularity. For this reason, it is in need of adaptation. This project involves the construction of four additional classrooms with a bio-construction system, a staircase module, and a multi-purpose room on the first floor.