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Organization	The Frances and Henry Riecken Foundation, Inc.
Region	Guatemala
Website	Website
Facebook	Facebook
Twitter	@Twitter
ProjectLeader	William Cartwright

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This project trains marginally educated mothers of pre-schoolers from five different rural communities in Guatemala to promote pre-literacy skills and the value of good nutrition. Activities held in the library and at home will prepare the children for the formal education system which will reduce both drop-out and malnutrition rates, giving the children the chance of a better future.

Challenge

Rural communities in Guatemala are trapped in a cycle of poverty as a result of inefficiencies in both the education and health systems. The illiteracy and drop out rates are among the highest in Latin America especially among women and girls. Children in rural areas who attend school often have low performance because of poor nutrition and an uninspired educational system. While children are the future for their communities there is little they can do without a full education.

Long-Term Impact

We expect that by giving up to 300 pre-schoolers a sound start that they will have a much better chance to become successful professionals. As they start their formal education they will continue to receive support from the libraries through story hours, book clubs and other activities that develop creativity and critical thinking. With nutritional and educational support these future leaders will have the capacity to lead their communities towards better opportunities and a better future.