Exclusion from education in Guatemala

The education system in Guatemala has serious flaws. Historically, education has served as an instrument of exclusion, existing as the reserve of the affluent and denied to the poor majority

Education in the agricultural sector

In this new millennium characterised by great technological advances, a solid education and an access to information are more vital than ever. Farmers today must have a solid skills base if they are to be able to compete in the very competitive agricultural sector. Yet as things stand, many farmers lack even the most basic education in Guatemala. Cultivation and production methods used by San Agustín's small producers have changed little over the centuries.

ADIPSA and education

At ADIPSA, we strive to take a comprehensive approach to the problem of the lack of education in San Agustin. Education forms an integral part of all our activities. As an organisation, we are constantly learning and building up a solid knowledge base.

Our efforts to improve education in the communities is divided into two areas:

• Alternative Formal Education Programme
• Educational activities incorporated into all out projects

Alternative Formal Education Programme

Supported by ICCO (Netherlands), (with funds channelled through UAM), we ran an Alternative Formal Education Program over eight years, aimed at community leaders and low-income families. This programme allowed many of the inhabitants of San Agustin's communities to access Guatemala's education system for the first time. Run by NGOs and recognised by the Ministry of Education, this system provides primary, secondary and higher level education for adolescents and mature students.

ADIPSA paid students' annual registration fees for the Instituto Guatemalteco de Educación Radiofónica (Guatemalan Institute for Radiophone Education) - IGER, and our education specialist, together with a group of teachers ran accelerated education courses, giving classes throughout 18 communities of San Agustín. Students would sit examinations every three months and receive official qualifications at the end of the year.

The success of this education project is clearly evident in the communities today:

Many of the teachers employed in the San Agustín's primary schools today graduated with teaching diplomas thanks to our education programme. Others went on to study at university and now have professional careers. Indeed, our very own agriculturalist, Amalio Montesinos, a specialist in agricultural production and diversification and graduate of the local university is living proof of the success of this programme.

As part of a separate project, we provided rural education centres with essential equipment, such as a room of typewriters where students can learn typewriting skills.

Educational activities

Workshops and skills-building activities form an integral part of all our projects at ADIPSA. the success of our projects is closely related to the skills training received by participants.

A good part of our work at ADIPSA involves modernising the production techniques of our small producers. Since current production methods are essentially so backward, the process of modernisation requires a huge effort, involving a great deal of training and education. For over ten years, we have given small producers the opportunity to attend workshops and informative meetings and participate in skills building activities and external courses.

Positive values and solidarity

All our projects at ADIPSA are inclusive and work to empower our members and raise the standard of living in San Agustin's communities. They encourage positive values and promote inclusive and progressive attitudes.

An underlying principle of all our work is the promotion of wholesome attitudes conducive to progress and values of solidarity which draw the community together.