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In Spring 2010, We will be trekking through the Lower Western Highlands mountain range of Guatemala; culminating in the ascent of the stratovolcano San Pedro beside Lake Atitlan. 

We will be visiting at a time of the year when there is minimal rainfall and daily temperatures hover between 70-80 degrees. The trekking route is not normally used by organized groups or tourists and takes us through village communities and mountain settlements. We will trek at altitude between 5000 and 10,000 feet, from early morning to late afternoon over 1 week.

The main reason we are doing this trek is to support Catherine's Auntie and Uncle, Sue and Phil Melling who have been involved with the Charity since its conception in 2001 and who's hard work and tirelss effort help to keep the charity going and make it what it is today.

So let us tell you a little about Study Guatemala and the school:

Study Guatemala is a registered charity which provides free education to disadvantaged children in Guatemala City, Central America. The funds we raise support an educational centre, Liceo Britanico Guatemalteco, for both boys and girls in Zone 5 of the city. The charity is dedicated to helping children to remain at school until the age of 16.

 

The charity began life in September 2001 as a scholarship system for the children of underprivileged families. The idea for the project arose as a result of discussions with Eduardo Estrada Espel, a teacher in the Guatemalan public school system who, for 20 years, has devoted himself to helping young people. In these conversations Sr. Espel identified the lack of secondary education as an area of primary need. He also suggested that the principle cause of illiteracy could only be addressed once the financial burden of attending school was completely removed.

In October 2003 the charity acquired charitable trust status in the United Kingdom and in 2004 the school was registered with the Ministry of Education in Guatemala City. Liceo Britanico Guatemalteco is an independent educational centre, free at the point of entry to those in need. The school opened for classes on January 12th, 2004 and is currently assisting 140 students from age 11-18.

School hours in Liceo Britanico Guatemalteco are from 7am – 1pm. The subjects taught in the curriculum include: English, History, Geography, Mathematics, Science, Music, Social Science, Domestic Science, Technical Drawing, Computers and Physical Education. The curriculum is fully approved by the Ministry of Education in Guatemala and emphasizes both academic achievements and the importance of self-esteem and community involvement. Our school provides students with the appropriate qualifications and skills to gain employment or to carry on in higher education.

 

During the last three years the school has remained open at the weekends as an adult literacy centre for the local community. Currently we have 35 adults enrolled in adult literary classes. Each is working towards an approved qualification.

 

Study Guatemala is an exciting and ambitious project with a proven track record. It has the support of committed individuals and groups. It reflects the aspirations of local people in Guatemala City and targets specific areas of need. It is currently the only educational charity in Guatemala City that provides free education to children in need. It is hoped that the project will become self-funding and that a new educational centre for the children of the city will be built and completed by June or July 2010. Land has already been purchased and building work is scheduled to begin in lat September 2009.