Guatemala, Sololá

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.

Before construction

After construction

Project Type

4 Furnished Classrooms + toilets

Construction Period:
Aug 2018 – June 2019

Budget

45.560 €

Children

525

Partner

Esperanza e.V.

Donor

Acronis

PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION

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.