Women's Literacy

Women's Literacy Project

Adult literacy -- becoming literate in Q'eqchi'

The primary purpose of this project is to provide literacy training for non-literate women in Mayan villages in the Polochic area of Guatemala. The rate of illiteracy, particularly among indigenous women, is high (estimates vary between 90-95%). Being literate (able to read and write in their own dialect plus basic knowledge of Spanish) can enhance a woman's status in their village, enhance her status in the family, improve her self-esteem, increase awareness of human rights and can increase business skills and opportunity. Studies show that literate women are more committed to the education of their children.  Illiteracy isolates the women from the outside world, which drastically limits their potential. This part -time three year certified program is equivalent to an elementary school education.

The women in these remote mountain villages recognize the importance of becoming literate in order to improve the quality of their lives. With the recent collapse of the coffee market, and very few jobs available, they recognize education is the key to reaching beyond their isolated village. An additional benefit to being able to read and write is  that it changes women's status with the Guatemalan government which then recognizes them and allows them the right to sign their own documents.

However, we feel the greatest benefit of being literate is what the women become from it. Their increased self esteem and feelings of self worth provides the confidence to move ahead, Currently the graduates are seeking additional opportunity through small scale agriculture (the development of gardens for family consumption and marketing) and small business development.

The primary goal of this project is to help women become literate.  The secondary goals are:  the establishment of a family garden, and access to loans for small business development. 

Family gardens have many benefits:  1st:  the land is free,  2nd: they are provided with free training, and all the seeds and supplies necessary to establish a garden, 3rd: it improves nutrition by adding more food and a greater variety to their diets, 4th: it is self sustaining (after a small initial investment) and 5th: it provides work for husbands who may be without work.   

The women dream of a better life for their children--a life where there is opportunity.

COST to establish one village class:    $600.00 per year (Pays teacher's salary for 1 year)

COST to establish one garden:    $75.00 (Pays for training, fencing, seeds and garden supplies)

This is a collaborative project in that the village provides the classrooms, CHOICE Humanitarian provides the project director, the government (CONALFA) provides the supplies and World Link provides the salaries for the teachers.