Guatemala, San Antonio, Sololá – Acronis Cyber Foundation Program

Guatemala, San Antonio, Sololá

Escuela Oficial Urbana Mixta San Antonio School in Guatemala

Construction period: Feb 2021 – Oct 2022

Facts

Type of facility

Three classrooms, a toilet unit, stairs

Students

525

Budget

€40,000

NGO partner

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 Escuela Official Urbana Mixta San Antonio is a school center consisting of one preschool, one primary school, and two secondary schools. Previously, the school’s 525 students shared just 10 classrooms, leading to significant overcrowding. In 2019, the Acronis Cyber Foundation along with Cloudfest extended the existing school building with the construction of five new classrooms. This did a lot to relieve overcrowded classes, but the school was still limited on spare room and lacked modern facilities.

In 2021, we went even further with some help from our friends at GoDaddy Pro, building four additional classrooms, a toilet unit, and proper stairs for the school’s 525 students.

However, the Acronis Cyber Foundation knows that the best way to set students up for lifelong success is with a modern education — and that means access to technology. Our next goal is to establish a computer classroom for the school, so that the children can receive educational resources and opportunities that will change their lives and the lives of their families. Join us in our mission and donate today to bring a brighter future to the kids in Guatemala!

Partners

Gallery

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News from the project

April 14, 2023

Acronis and GoDaddy Pro partnership: empowering 650…

The Acronis Cyber Foundation Program’s Schools Initiative works with underserved and neglected communities where children and youth lack…

April 21, 2022

Our school, our stories – Sustainable construction in…

A school community is not just a building. It’s the various individuals and groups who are invested in the welfare and vitality of the school,…

July 29, 2020

Update on COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund – Guatemala

Our NGO partner in Guatemala, San Antonio, Sololá, shared with us some news of the plans to distribute aid packages to the school community.

October 28, 2019

Guatemala school video

Have a look at the newly-extended school in Guatemala and feel the atmosphere of the celebratory school opening ceremony with us.

Show all news

About the country

Country

Republic of Guatemala

Capital city

Guatemala City

Population

15 million people

Currency

Quetzal (GTQ)

Major languages

Spanish, more than 20 indigeneous 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.

Sightseeing

Antigua Guatemala

Antigua Guatamala is known as one of the best-preserved Spanish colonial cities in Central America. It has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The historical town, with its cobblestone streets at every turn, handicraft shops, and good restaurants and coffee places, is worth at least a few days visit.

Tip: The city is 40 minutes from Guatemala International airport by car/taxi and it’s wise to go there right after arrival.

Photo: Unsplash

Acatenango Volcano Trekking

Acatenango is a stratovolcano in Guatemala, close to the city of Antigua. The volcano has two peaks, Pico Mayor (3,976 m) and Yepocapa (3,880 m).

Tip: While staying in Antigua, an overnight tour to the Acatenango volcano is ideal for adventurous people. You can find a guide and book a trip online or at your hotel.

Photo: Unsplash

Lake Atitlan

Atitlan Lake is the deepest lake in Central America and it’s surrounded by three volcanos on its southern part.

Tip: The drive from Antigua to Lake Atitlan’s Panajachel city takes about three hours. You can take a boat trip to explore the volcanos and cities surrounding the lake.

Photo: Unsplash

San Pedro Volcano Hiking

The best view of Lake Atitlan is from the San Pedro Volcano, 3,000 meters above sea level. The hike is quite challenging and takes about five hours, round trip. The entrance costs 100 quetzales, which includes a local guide.

Tip: There are many mosquitos on the hiking trail. Don’t forget about proper clothes and repellents. Even if you travel on a hot day, it might be cool and windy at the top of the volcano and a long-sleeve jacket is worth bringing.

Photo: Pexels

Fuentes Georginas

Volcanically heated hot springs of incredible beauty.

Tip: Las Fuentes Georginas is about 140 miles from Guatemala City and five miles from the town of Zunil. Transportation is available by calling +502-4766-7066, 7761-6547, or 5704-2959. Easily accessible from Quetzaltenango (Xela) by reserving a charter bus seat from any travel agency.

Photo: ExploreWithLora

Semuc Champey

The Semuc Champey natural monument consists of several tiered pools, an extensive cave network complete with underground waterfalls, a natural 300 m limestone bridge, and stunning, picturesque views!

Tip: If you’re visiting on a tour, some guides will take you down a rope ladder from the lowest pool to the river, which gushes out from the rocks below.

Photo: Unsplash

Rio Dulce

Rio Dulce (literally, “Sweet River”) is part of a lake and river system and is a popular cruising sailboat destination. A boat trip here is marked by scenic beauty and unique vegetation, as you float through a refuge for various native and migratory birds. The Dulce River is located within the Río Dulce National Park area, which has helped protect the Guatemalan ecosystem since 1955, containing a great diversity of fauna, including manatees and crocodiles.

Tip: Use the water transportation services available at the docks of Fronteras, El Relleno, and Livingston for your visit. For 20 quetzales, you’ll be able to visit the ex-pirate fortress of Castillo De San Felipe.

Photo: Unsplash