In Guatemala, only 74.5% of the population age 15 and older is literate—the lowest literacy rate in Central America. Additionally, Guatemala’s spending on education is among the lowest in the world and is significantly underfunded. Many classrooms do not meet minimum standards for classroom space, teaching materials, classroom equipment and furniture, and water or sanitation.

With more than half the population of Guatemalans living below the poverty line, school-aged children struggle to afford the cost of uniforms, books, supplies, and transportation — none of which are supplied by the government. Poverty is the main deterrent to schooling in Guatemala.

In response to these challenges, HXP Builders will be building classrooms for a school that has been run out of a rented home for the past 15-20 years. Creating a classroom setting will increase learning and engagement for the students. This initiative reflects a concerted effort to address the educational needs of the community in light of the ongoing economic and health challenges.

Source: USAID, CDC, World Bank 2013