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AMIGOS DE GUATEMALA SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM
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INTRODUCTION Literacy among the rural poor of Guatemala is among the lowest in the Western Hemisphere. It is estimated that less than 25% of the Maya men and 10% of the Maya women who live in the rural highlands of Guatemala are literate. Although Guatemalan education is “free and compulsory” through the 6th grade, few of the children in this area complete their primary education. For those motivated few who do, even fewer go on to junior high school (Basico) because they cannot afford it. Rare among the students going to junior or senior high are the Maya girls. We believe these children represent the hope and future of the indigenous people of Guatemala. Amigos de Guatemala is a partnership of Rotary Clubs to provide quality humanitarian service projects in Guatemala. Included in these projects is a scholarship/sponsorship program for secondary education students. These students must travel by bus (or walk one or more hours each way) to school and pay for registration, school uniforms, school supplies, etc. You can help by sponsoring one of these students. We are searching for compassionate Rotarians and other interested persons willing to help a Guatemalan student continue his/her education. We respectfully request that you seriously consider sponsoring a student. Sponsorship of a student is: Amigos de Guatemala Scholarship Program currently sponsors more than 50 students. More than half of these are girls. These students are sponsored by individuals, co-sponsors such as two or more Rotarians, Rotary clubs, businesses, churches, schools and school groups. Many sponsor a student in the name of a child, grandchild, a local teenager or a club such as an Interact or Spanish language club. As a sponsor you receive a letter containing a photo of your sponsored student and biographical information. You also receive updates each year so you can watch him or her grow and change and learn more about how the scholarship program is impacting his or her life. You receive four letters during the school year from your student to help you learn about your student’s life through his or her own words and experiences. Sponsors have their lives enriched by exchanging communication with these students. Click here for Common Q & A regarding the scholarship/sponsorship program |