Educational Programs

The Board of directors of the clinic, the Comité, is committed to improve the health and education of the Guatemalan people.

Guatemala is the largest and most populous country in Central America. The 108,890 square kilometers are mostly mountainous, and about the size of Tennessee. The population of Guatemala is more than 14 million with 75% of the people living in poverty or extreme poverty. Most of the wealth remains in only 25% of the population. Lack of clean water, sewage and solid waste problems seriously affect the health and well being of the people. Millions of people are without clean drinking water and adequate sanitation services.

In addition to complete medical services, the clinic provides a variety of education programs. Sadly, the educational level of Guatemala is the lowest in Central America. Over 30% of the population is unable to read and or write. Besides educating the persons involved, these programs elevate their self-esteem and the opportunities for them to find gainful employment.

Our Supporting Women program is in its eleventh year of service to mothers, pregnant women, and children from birth to age three. Children are weighed and measured each month, and the mothers are given an educational talk. They go home with a bag of commodities—beans, rice, sugar, cooking oil, and a high protein drink. We have changed the name of the program to reflect more truthfully where the need is and where the program director uses her energy. 25% of the women have no education, and another 20% have no formal education, but are able to read and write.

Our Library opened in January 2004. The majority of children have no books in their homes, no computers for research, and few books and educational materials in the schools.

The library gives the children and adults the quiet space to study, do research and read. Adults participate in the program to learn to read and write and are given a certificate of education when they complete the requirements.

Students also receive assistance from the highly qualified teacher in charge.

The clinic offers a four-part Sewing Program in partnership with INTECAP (Instituto Técnico de Capacitación) This program includes the basic and advanced techniques of sewing. After completing the four-part course, they are qualified tailors. Many are able to begin a small business in their homes or secure a better job in the factories.

The Soy Milk Program teaches the family better nutrition, to eat healthily. After we process the milk, making it from soy beans, we sell the soy milk for fifty cents ($.50) a liter versus the grocery cost, a dollar fifty ($1.50). The remaining soy flour is used to make pancakes, donuts, tarts, and other nutritious foods which we also sell cheaply. Three women are employed in this program.

Our School Education Program includes assistance to several school children who otherwise would not be able to study. We help them with the purchase of books, uniforms, shoes, school supplies, and other necessities.

The Clinic Psychologist provides special programs in the area schools. Children learn valuable lessons about self esteem, conflict resolution, etc. The psychologist also has special training in helping children develop their learning skills.

Without your prayers, support, and
donations we could not continue all these essential programs.