Situation of Children in Guatemala:
The situation of 
children in Guatemala is a very difficult one and even more so for the children of scavengers. Many are in a way abandoned by their parents as they have to stay locked up in their tin homes while their parents leave for work, others work themselves and contribute around 30% to the family’s income; few finish Elementary school and even fewer go to High School.
The families’ socio-economic situation demands that children put paper and pencil aside and work. A working child contributes an average of 30% to the family’s annual income. This is NOT ACCEPTABLE.
Our School Year:
In Guatemala the school year starts in January and finishes at the end of October.
Our Education System:
Kindergarten is not required by law and for that reason many children stay at home and do not enjoy the benefits of a social, emotional, physical and cognitive development that is stimulated through special activities according to their age. For that reason many children arrive at first grade with learning disabilities.
Elementary School goes from first grade through sixth grade. According to the Guatemalan Government, the dropout and failure rate in the first grade is 43%. Our teachers try their best to keep children at school which is not an easy task. For that reason we do not assign children from first grade to sponsors.
Secondary School goes from 7th grade through 11th or 12th grade. In Guatemala, after 9th grade students prepare for jobs that will allow them to earn money for college after they graduate from high school. They have to choose an area of specialization that will equip them for employment. This can be a two or three-year career.
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