Guatemala

In 2023

92,243

students benefit from quality education

3,381

teachers trained in our pedagogy

218

parents of aware schoolchildren

Significant challenges in education and child protection

Approximately 40% of the Guatemalan population is of Maya origin. These communities are often marginalized, and this discrimination is particularly evident in the education system, which does not take their languages and culture into account. As a result, in economically and socially disadvantaged rural areas where many Maya communities live, many children do not speak Spanish, the main language of instruction, which hinders their academic success.

Enfants du Monde

These children are also exposed to high levels of violence, both at home and in schools. Many cases of physical and psychological abuse are reported in educational institutions.

That’s why we are running two projects aimed not only at improving children’s academic success through teaching in the Maya mother tongues, but also at creating a safe and protective educational environment for children, free from violence.

Sofia, pupil

Learning in both Spanish and Kaqchikel allows me to better understand and work more effectively at school.

Enfants à l’école au Guatemala

Our impact in the field

We are changing the future of thousands of Maya children. Here are the expected results for the 2021-2024 period:

Pupils benefit from a quality education in both the Maya language and Spanish, which respects and integrates their culture;
Teachers are trained in bilingual education and pedagogy that allows each child to participate and make progress, as well as in promoting non-violent behavior;
School principals and parents are made aware of children’s rights, how to identify forms of violence, and how to protect or assist children who are victims of violence.

Helping Maya Children Learn Better

We train teachers and create bilingual textbooks for schools in the Q’eqchi’ and Kaqchikel Maya linguistic communities as part of our Bilingual and Intercultural Education program.

Learn more

Protecting Children from Violence

We train teachers and parents to recognize warning signs in abused children and teach educators how to reduce violence in schools by fostering harmonious relationships among the children.

Learn more

Flood Emergency in Guatemala

In October-November 2020, hurricanes ETA and IOTA hit Guatemala. The department of Alta Verapaz suffers severe flooding. From January 2021, Enfants du Monde provides food and psychological assistance to 400 families with 1,200 children in 14 communities.

Learn more

Latest news

The new Geneva Declaration will be unveiled on November 20 to reaffirm children’s rights!

25 November 2024

On November 20, in celebration of International Children’s Rights Day, the new Declaration of the Rights of the Child will be unveiled—a global commitment to reaffirm children’s fundamental rights. This initiative, spearheaded by organizations including Enfants du Monde, emphasizes the urgent need to ensure a safe environment for the development of younger generations. Join this global movement to make children’s rights a reality.

25November 2024

Guatemala – Innovative training to enhance reading and writing skills

4 October 2024

Discover our new university training program is designed to strengthen bilingual teaching in Mayan and Spanish languages, to improve literacy skills from the first year of school, and to highlight the value of indigenous cultures.

4October 2024

Annual report: together, we transform education and health worldwide

19 July 2024

In 2023, thanks to your support, we were able to offer quality education to thousands of children and better healthcare access for pregnant women. Find out in our annual report, how our projects are transforming the practices of teachers and healthcare workers.

19July 2024

Together, let’s support vulnerable mothers and children around the world

12 December 2023

By engaging with us to help and protect mothers and children around the world, we can have a sustainable impact on their living conditions together through quality education and access to health services.

12December 2023