Teachers Helping Teachers
Teaching is not an easy job. It is even more difficult in parts of the world where the basic cost of books and school supplies total well beyond the financial means of most families.
Reminded of this at a recent Wednesday professional planning meeting, faculty and staff at Villa Academy joined together to support Avivara, an organization that provides assistance to the grossly under-funded education efforts in Guatemala.
The truth about Guatemala education is distressing. A one-room schoolhouse, sometimes the second function of an agriculture loading dock, will enroll nearly 100 students. A serious lack of teacher resources and inaccessible curriculum, available only via the web, make lecture the primary (yet ineffective) method of instruction. Given such inefficiencies, it is not surprising that Guatemalan children generally do not advance beyond the third grade – that is, if they have the privilege of attending school at all!
In true Cabrinian tradition, our community immediately stepped up to help. A group effort from Villa Academy employees, initiated by Becky Bocian in the Business Office, raised enough support to sponsor the educational needs of 56 students for an entire year!
Way to go Villa!
For more information on Education in Guatemala, or to find out how you can help, please visit: www.avivara.org
