Guatemala Literacy Project
First you learn to read, then you read to learn.
The Guatemala Literacy Project (GLP) is one of the largest grassroots, multi-club, multi-district projects in Rotary. More than 900 clubs and 90 districts have been working together since 1997 to improve education for underserved students in Guatemala. In that time, nearly 330,000 students have been served through four sustainable programs that are tested and proven to work. In 2017, then-RI President Ian Riseley called the GLP “the gold standard of Rotary projects” for its sustainability and impact.
The Three Pathways Out of Poverty
Elementary students develop literacy—a crucial foundation for later learning—and further build reading comprehension and critical thinking skills in middle school and beyond.
Middle and high-school youth are provided with badly-needed digital literacy training that positions them with necessary tech skills for future employment or further education.
Students receive comprehensive, holistic support services and youth development that enable them to graduate with the skills to become the next generation of young leaders.
To move students along these pathways, we partner with underserved communities to implement four complementary programs:
Spark
trains teachers in effective reading instruction and provides them with quality children’s literature
Textbooks
provides books in multiple subject areas to middle schools and trains teachers to use them effectively in the classroom
Technology
(formerly known as The Computers Program) teaches students to use technology to solve real-world problems so they can secure better jobs
Rise Youth Development
transforms young lives through scholarships, life skills, social support, and more
Here’s how you can help break the cycle of poverty in Guatemala:
Provide Books, Computers, & Training
Every year the GLP coordinates a global grant that funds the expansion of the Spark Reading, Textbook, Computer, and Rise Youth Development Programs. It is co-hosted by one Guatemalan Rotary club and one international club, while other clubs from around the world pledge their financial support.
Get Kids in School to Use Them
The GLP connects individual and club sponsors to students, classrooms, and schools in Guatemala that need their support. This year, GLP clubs and individuals are rallying to sponsor over 300 Rise Program scholars who will not be able to stay in school next year without their support.
Visit Our Programs in Guatemala
Travel through the beautiful landscapes of Guatemala to visit program schools and interact with students, teachers, and families who benefit from your contribution to the GLP! You’ll experience Guatemalan culture while sharing in the fellowship of other Rotarians from around the world.
Collaborations & Recognitions
