- V
Hey everyone!! I’ve learned a few things during the time I’ve spent in Guatemala.
Estafani and Emiliano taught me the RIGHT way to play Tic-Tac-Toe, las mamás showed me the power of love and community, and Camila showed me the perfect pageant happy cry. I suppose I’ve returned the favor by teaching a few English classes a day, piecing together some top-notch “Spanglish” as I do my best introduce fun activities and ideas.
While I have absolutely adored being able to teach, my five weeks at the school will not be enough to give the kids what they truly need. They have the passion and the motivation for success, but they lack access to the resources needed to learn a new language. While the school’s teachers are incredibly passionate and dedicated, they also lack resources, keeping them from effectively teaching English.
In a spur of reflection and inspiration last weekend, I decided that the issue needs permanent treatment, rather than another Bandaid. With the help of the school’s director, my companions at Máximo Nivel, and hopefully you, I plan to develop a sustainable, long term solution to existing deficiencies in their English education system.
Through a partnership with Máximo Nivel, the teachers will receive months of English lessons at a discounted rate, so that they can continue to help the students flourish.
Additionally, my primary project involves renovating one of the classrooms into a vibrant English Lab supplemented with technology such as iPads (but like, off-brand ones), a projector and whiteboard, and a speaker. With this technology, students will receive sustained access to free resources such as Duolingo Schools, Kahoot, and Quizlet, as well as the opportunity to practice English with students across the world through Pen Pal programs. English-focused board games and brand new books will also help to create an environment where students get excited to develop their English.
In Guatemala, as in many countries, knowing English opens up an unimaginable number of doors— to jobs, to connections, and to futures overflowing with opportunity. These students deserve those opportunities. Through implementing and maintaining these systems and technologies, we are changing the lives of all the kids I’ve met, as well as all the kids who will enjoy the school in the decades to come.
Every dollar you donate goes directly to the project (except the 2% GoFundMe takes so you can also venmo me @ryanlacey1129). Also, I plan to set up the entire Lab over a single weekend with the help of some friends, and surprise all my kiddos the next Monday. If you want to see how it all comes together, feel free to follow me on Instagram (@ryann_laceyy) for the big reveal.
While I have absolutely adored being able to teach, my five weeks at the school will not be enough to give the kids what they truly need. They have the passion and the motivation for success, but they lack access to the resources needed to learn a new language. While the school’s teachers are incredibly passionate and dedicated, they also lack resources, keeping them from effectively teaching English.
In a spur of reflection and inspiration last weekend, I decided that the issue needs permanent treatment, rather than another Bandaid. With the help of the school’s director, my companions at Máximo Nivel, and hopefully you, I plan to develop a sustainable, long term solution to existing deficiencies in their English education system.
Through a partnership with Máximo Nivel, the teachers will receive months of English lessons at a discounted rate, so that they can continue to help the students flourish.
Additionally, my primary project involves renovating one of the classrooms into a vibrant English Lab supplemented with technology such as iPads (but like, off-brand ones), a projector and whiteboard, and a speaker. With this technology, students will receive sustained access to free resources such as Duolingo Schools, Kahoot, and Quizlet, as well as the opportunity to practice English with students across the world through Pen Pal programs. English-focused board games and brand new books will also help to create an environment where students get excited to develop their English.
In Guatemala, as in many countries, knowing English opens up an unimaginable number of doors— to jobs, to connections, and to futures overflowing with opportunity. These students deserve those opportunities. Through implementing and maintaining these systems and technologies, we are changing the lives of all the kids I’ve met, as well as all the kids who will enjoy the school in the decades to come.
Every dollar you donate goes directly to the project (except the 2% GoFundMe takes so you can also venmo me @ryanlacey1129). Also, I plan to set up the entire Lab over a single weekend with the help of some friends, and surprise all my kiddos the next Monday. If you want to see how it all comes together, feel free to follow me on Instagram (@ryann_laceyy) for the big reveal.