In Guatemala 40% of children do not make it through 1st grade. They start school at age 7 often times not speaking spanish (they speak an indigenous language of their mother) and do not have the preparation of kindergarden. After failing the first year most children drop out or fail again.
Photos Above: Blankets, hats, backpacks, and toys were distributed on a previous visit to our schools, who now have Magic Classrooms.
Retired American, Fred Zambroski saw this problem and took action by forming the non profit charity Let’s Be Ready. They hire unemployed teachers and provide them with early education training for 4-6 year olds, and established 25 preschool programs in rural villages. Since 2010 Miracles In Action has sponsored 5 LBR preschool programs, with some of the teachers being graduates of our scholarship program.
In our remotest villages there are no teachers to hire for a LBR preschool. Seeing this problem, Fred developed the Magic Classroom program, where he hires 16-24 year olds and trains them to become preschool classroom facilitators. Pre-recorded music, lessons, and learning activities are played via a computer tablet, magically transforming the classroom into a fun filled place to learn and grow. In February 2015, Miracles In Action supported the first magic classroom programs in our schools located in the Cuchumatanes mountains of Huehuetenango at 9-10,000 feet elevation.
Thank you Fred Zambrowski, and Project Manager Michael Estill for developing this innovative solution to bringing education to the remotest, poverty-stricken villages in Guatemala.
If you would like more information please read this article on page 72 http://issuu.com/revue/do