The Guatemalan school year begins in January and ends in October. Many years ago, children provided for a large portion of the coffee harvesting work force, hence school break was linked to the ripening coffee bean. While some children continue to work the fields during vacation months, most kids stay close to home, spending time with family and playing with neighborhood friends.
For the past 5 years, La Puerta Abierta has taken advantage of the vacation months to reach out to children in Santiago and provide them with educational, fun and stimulating activities. In addition to offering an introduction class to kindergarten for our young students "Mis Primeros Pasitos," we have also brought our programs to 3 rural communities in Atitlan on a weekly basis via our Biblioteca Movil. Local children from surrounding communities gathered to hear fantastic stories, create colorful art and make new friends.
Last week, we were able to bring our 3 participating communities together for an end of the year holiday party. We had good reason to celebrate....another wonderful year of sharing education, creativity, literature, and love with the children of our community!
