Very remote learning
New Castle Presbytery’s Guatemala Partnership helps to offer literacy classes in remote Las Barrancas
Last fall while visiting our partners in Guatemala, we traveled about two hours from the Association of Mam Christian Women for Development office to a very remote village called Las Barrancas, which means “the ravines.” Tucked away in lush mountains, this gorgeous place feels somewhat forgotten, like the end of the Earth.
Traveling there is quite an adventure, requiring a trusty 4x4 to navigate the pothole-filled, muddy surfaces that are sometimes impassible in the rainy season. For residents of this community to attend school, especially after the elementary grades, they have to travel quite far, which is not always possible.
This means that literacy rates and education levels in the community are low. Most of the people living here work on one of the eight surrounding coffee fincas (plantations), the majority of them women since many of the men have migrated to the United States to find work.
Our main reason for venturing to Las Barrancas was to learn more about a new literacy project that had just been launched by a Guatemalan government agency. While the initial class was a success, the government did not have the funding to continue the program after the first year. In response, the Association committed to keeping the first class going, while also adding a second class in 2025. Concord Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, Delaware donated the funds needed for the teachers' salaries and materials while an anonymous individual offered to cover the cost of new folding tables and chairs. We are thrilled to report that both classes are now underway!
There are 20 students total this year. Twelve students are in the “first grade” class, and eight in the "second grade" class. Sessions are held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 2 p.m. to 5:20 p.m. for a total of 10 hours a week. This afternoon schedule allows students to come to class after they return from working on the fincas.
Students learn how to write their name, do basic math, and master the alphabet, and will receive an official government "diploma" as long as they pass the final test at the end of the year. Last year's class had a 100% pass rate! Watch this video they made to show you their hard work, as well as the new tables, chairs and materials.
This program is also providing a source of income for two teachers who both live in the community, Lidia and Abdiel, pictured below. Abdiel (right) is just 17 years old and is using his salary to pay for his tuition and travel expenses to finish high school.
This wonderful new program is building confidence and transforming lives. The students share, "we thank God for the opportunity to learn and gain knowledge.” We are especially grateful to Concord Presbyterian Church and the anonymous donor for their financial support, and hope to continue and expand these classes for years to come.
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