Education for 400 children in Guatemala

Guatemala is still struggling to cope with the Covid-19 pandemic with cases remaining stubbornly high and hospitals close to breaking point. Limited testing, a slow vaccine roll-out and fragmented adherence to safety protocols compound the problems already faced in the country, especially in rural areas.

Our fifty secondary school and college scholarship students from six different communities around Lake Atitlán continue to learn from home with no classroom-based teaching during the first half of the year. They have been unable to receive virtual classes due to lack of internet so walk to the school regularly to pick up and drop off homework. Due to their parents’ literacy capabilities being limited to none, especially in further education, these visits are their only opportunity to ask questions. Teachers are due to start being vaccinated over the next few weeks so it is hoped that some degree of group learning will be allowed in the second half of the year and final exams.

The sewing business we implemented last year continues to be a success and we have added more single mothers over the past few months, including mothers of the recipients of our scholarships. We even have some elderly members of the community keen to learn new techniques to be able to generate their own income.

This year’s GlobalGiving Bonus Day will be celebrated is on 14th July where donations between $100 and $1,000 will be matched at varying levels whilst funds remain from 9am Eastern Time. The following matching structure will apply:

Donations of $100 - $499 will be matched at 15%

Donations of $500 - $749 will be matched at 30%

Donations of $750 - $1,000 will be matched at 50%

With fundraising events having been put on hold for the past year and half this is a fantastic way to help us raise the extra funds we need to keep the projects and education going in all our countries. If you can, please do donate early from 9am ET on 14^th July to take advantage of the matching bonusses as the extra funds tend to go quite quickly and thank you so much in advance!

We are also looking for partnerships with businesses as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility programs as we look to implement more sustainable income plans in all our communities over the coming years. If you know of a company looking to expand their own CSR program and wanting to support projects in Latin America, please do email me on info@thephoenixprojects.org By using the tax benefits for all US taxpaying companies by donating through GlobalGiving it is a CSR program which is beneficial to all parties, especially if the donation is made on the July 14^th Bonus Day!

Thanks again for all your support and all the best for the second half of 2021

Cheers

Links:

• Corporate Social Responsibility