Day 20

One month of school fees for a child from the slums in Guatemala

Education as a stable foundation for a democratic civil society

School education for slum children in Guatemala City

The central garbage dump in the Guatemalan capital Guatemala City is not only used for the disposal of waste, but is also the livelihood of a large number of families who live in the slums nearby. The so-called "Guajeros" collect recyclable items here to sell them to local recycling plants. Instead of going to school, many of the children have to help their parents with work from a very young age. At the same time, poverty and lack of prospects create an ideal breeding ground for violence and drug abuse. School education gives these children a perspective and a way out of poverty.

need

Educational and professional development opportunities for children and young people in Guatemala

activity

Camino Seguro finances school fees and looks after the children outside of school

Measurable performance

Number of students who were able to attend a public school by paying school fees

Result

Measurable increase in the number of students graduating from school

Systemically relevant impact

Reduction in the illiteracy rate, the highest possible level of education and better career opportunities. Positive impact on the democratization of civil society.

background

Mayan families who move from rural areas to the city to look for work are particularly affected. Due to their lack of education, many can only find work in the informal sector, such as as garbage collectors. Most families are so poor that they are not only unable to finance their children's education, but also rely on their help with work in the informal sector.

The good deed

Education offers children and young people a way out of the cycle of poverty, crime and violence - more importantly, it also creates perspective and hope in what often seems a hopeless environment. By covering the fees and providing school materials and uniforms, the project enables more than 550 children to attend classes in Guatemalan schools. The schoolchildren also receive a hot meal every day, help with their homework and medical care. Additional programs such as music, sports and computer classes encourage creativity and at the same time create a safe environment for social contacts in the middle of a part of the city that is plagued by crime and drug abuse. In the long term, the children should escape poverty with dignity and safety.