Early Childhood Literacy & Nutrition in Guatemala

Did you know that universal primary education is one of the Millienium Development Goals?  The goal is for every child to have at least a primary education.  Early childhood development including teaching sounds, vowels, shapes, numbers and creating a love for reading with story hours, all of which prepares children for success in school.  In addition, in our program the parents also learn valuable nutritional information.  Try to imagine what ignorance feels like.  What if you could not read?  How would you learn what was best for your children?  Many of the mums in our program are in that situation.  They simply do not know that their children need a balanced diet including protein to reach their potential.  

We have just launched a second year of our pilot program in the Chiche, Guatemala Riecken library.  Thanks go to the Reno Rotary Club (Nevada, USA) which has provided funding for a second year and because of their generosity we are able to double the number of sessions to meet the demand.  As mentioned in previous reports other organizations are getting involved.  The children are being weighed and measured and the parents are given a card to keep track of their child's progress.  While the families were initially reluctant now there is great demand for giving children the best possible start.  When this program is fully funded we plan to expand to other libraries.  You can help us to accomplish that goal.  We thank you in advance for your help.  

Links:

• Go to our blog for an expanded report.
• Watch Alba talk about her progress with children