Founded in 2009 in
the Polochic Valley - Guatemala, Li Chu'tam vision is to promote sustainable
development through cutting-edge initiatives at community-level. The potential
for economic development and prosperity for the inhabitants of this region is hampered
by a poor level of infrastructure (barely hardened roads, lack of electricity
and water grid), rising unemployment and very limited access to education.
Currently we implement four projects:
Classroom Support:
In order to help students
in the lower Basico grades (ages 7-13), our field volunteers assist local
teachers (at their request) in their classrooms. Since many of the classrooms
have a high student to teacher ratio and some teachers may be teaching multiple
grades at once, our volunteers help bring that ratio down thus improving the
learning environment. It can also be great personal development for our volunteers to gain teaching
experience or to share their own teaching strategies with the schools.
Extracurricular Activities:
In Guatemala, students
only attend public school in the mornings. Through our Volunteer Program, we
are able to offer a wide range of afternoon activities to
the local school children that combine learning with having fun. They can
choose between various activities ranging from arts & crafts, playing
educational games, sports, Spanish & English classes, and reading. Many of
these courses are based on the unique skills of our volunteers so the options
are endless!
As of April 2018,
our Knowledge & IT Center was completed which
allows us to provide a free computer lab to support students (and adults)
within the community. The lab is open for students to conduct their own
research or play educational games (such as Khan Academy) but our volunteers
also offer classes on typing, how to use the Internet and Microsoft Office
applications, and basic coding.
Our Knowledge and IT
Center also has a small library that is available to the community as well. We
have a One-on-One Literacy Tutoring program that trains
middle school students on how to teach younger students basic reading and
writing skills. This program gives agency to our older students, so they can
help tutor the younger children in their families and the community.
In
addition to afternoon activities, each year Li Ch’utam invites graduating 6th
graders on a year-end field trip outside of the valley. These trips are very
well received by teachers and students alike and offer a rare opportunity for
the children to explore beyond their village and learn more about their heritage
and country. Popular field trips include visiting museums in Guatemala City and
the Maya ruins of Tikal!
Scholarships:
Secondary education
(starting at 13 years old) is not publicly funded in Guatemala and therefore
costs must be covered by families. Most of the families in the Polochic Valley
are very poor so our scholarships cover tuition, transportation, supplies, and
other school fees. We work closely with the families in the valley to
understand their income level and any other challenges students may face in the
home to better tailor our assistance to them. With the support of private
contributions, we are able to ensure a child’s access to further education.
Family Projects:
Li Ch’utam works beyond the children of the valley and has built
strong relationships with many of their families as well. Our family oriented
projects aim to provide broader support to families while also giving them the
opportunity to work together and have fun as a unit. Such projects include a vegetable garden, chocolate making, and adult educational & talent development courses.
Our volunteers work hands-on with community members
to plan and implement the above projects all year long, so we are constantly
recruiting talented individuals! Joining our
volunteer team is a challenging opportunity that suits highly motivated people
interested in pursuing a career within international development and who want
to make a visible difference in the lives of others.