Education
Academic year
January – October
Literacy rate (15+ years old)
81.29 %
Attendance rate
Primary school – 94%
Lower secondary school – 52%
Upper secondary school – 31%
Out-of-school children
Children (6 to 11 years old) – 246,375
Adolescents (12 to 14 years old) – 385,857
Youth (15 to 17 years old) – 680,289
Project implementation
The national curriculum of Guatemala includes IT in its program, but not all schools are adequately equipped. Monte Mercedes School faces a similar challenge, lacking sufficient computers; it currently has only 16 for 375 students spanning pre-primary, primary, and secondary school levels across two shifts. To address this issue, students are compelled to attend a private computer academy, posing challenges for monitoring class attendance. Moreover, the academy is located 4 km away from the school, presenting additional difficulties for the students.
In 2023, we are taking steps to alleviate this situation by providing an additional 19 laptops and outfitting two classrooms designated for primary and secondary school levels. Our teachers are well-trained to conduct ICT classes, ensuring maximum efficiency in the learning process.
About the country
Country
Republic of Guatemala
Capital city
Guatemala City
Population
15 million people
Currency
Quetzal (GTQ)
Major languages
Spanish, more than 20 indigenous languages
Travel information
Guatemala is a tropical country with distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry season/ summer – November to April – is the best time to visit Guatemala. The air becomes hazy and incredibly hot by mid-March in the lead-up to the rainy season, volcanoes become almost invisible. In the wet season/ winter – May to October, the majority of rain falls in September and October. Rain usually appears as late afternoon downpours, rather than all-day showers.
Travel tips
Hotel recommendations
Guatemala City: Barcelo Guatemala City
Antigua: Posada de Don Rodrigo
Santa Catarina Palopo: Villa Santa Catarina
Places to eat
Chichicastenango: restaurant of the Mayan Inn Hotel
Solola: El Pescador
Guatemala City: Hibiscus Restaurante
Best souvenirs from the country
Guatemalan coffee, jade jewelry, textile, pottery, masks
Taxi
Taxis Sololá Comodidad Y Confort
Travel agencies
MARIOS TOURS
Interpreting services
Proposed one week tour
Day 1: Guatemala City: Antigua
Day 2: Antigua: Acatenango volcano hiking
Day 3: Antigua: Coffee plantation tour
Day 4: Atitlan Lake boat tour, Mayan ruins visit
Day 5: San Antonio, Solola, School visit
Day 6: Chichicastenango market
Day 7: Monterrico black sand beaches