Sponsor a Scholar in Guatemala
You can help indigenous youth in Guatamala have access to a university education so that they can pursue a future beyond subsistence farming and contribute to the development of their own communities. Your gift will go towards full-tuition costs for a k'iche'-speaking student in the surrounding villages of Pasac in Nahualá Sololá. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need, academic promise, and commitment to promote community development where the students live. Students who receive a scholarship are expected to find part-time employment to cover the cost of books, supplies, transportation and registration fees.
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The Need
60% of the population in Guatemala does not graduate from elementary school and rural communities suffer up to 70% illiteracy. Unfortunately, for rural youth who desire to improve themselves and their communities by pursuing an education, there are very few options. With the average household income being $2 or less per day, attaining higher education is virtually unreachable for these students. However, by investing in this scholarship program, you can encourage students with academic and leadership potential to consider pursuing tertiary education, enhancing their abilities to represent their communities and to have the power to implement sustainable development within their communities.
Scholars in this program come from coffee-growing communities in rural Guatemala, and they are the first in their families to study past elementary school. They study in cities near their village and remain vested in their communities in Guatemala. All scholars are required to attend Roots & Wings International monthly development meetings to provide the students a space to discuss their struggles and their aspirations while also providing an opportunity to apply their education to development issues in their communities.
About Roots & Wings International
Partner since July, 2009
Roots & Wings International provides education opportunities for impoverished indigenous Guatemalan youth. They promote elementary to university level education through tutoring, computer training, scholarship, and counseling programs. Their work is rooted in recognizing the importance of culturally responsive education that empowers students to connect their cultural identity with sustainable social and economic development.
