Since the community is small, it has limited public services. The purpose and main goal of

Escuela El Hato is to provide pre-school and primary education to children in the community.

 Presently, there are approximately 175 children,ages 6-17 years year (2008) the school plans to have enroll 200-225 students, and will need one teacher per grade level).  Students families can not  pay for school entrance fees, uniforms, books and school supplies which are necessary for the public school.  ”La Unión” facilitates scholarships for the children, contributes to the teachers, salaries and offers financial donations.  During the past years, “La Unión” has helped to build classrooms, bathrooms, a kitchen, and has also provided supplies medical supplies to the school.

The greatest need of the school is for auxiliary teachers, people with knowledge in carpentry or construction, as well as volunteers who can spend time entertaining the children with games, sports, etc.  To be an auxiliary teacher, volunteers need an intermediate Spanish level.  For all the other work, a beginner Spanish level is sufficient.

Groups and individuals are able to donate learning aids, school supplies, shoes, food, etc.  note: If you going to bring clothing to donate, we would appreciate if you brought clothing for men, since the majority of clothes which is donated is for indigenous people who use typical costumes, especially the women.

VUELTA GRANDE

Vuelta Grande is a community located approximately 25 minutes from Antigua Guatemala. It has a population of 1,200 people, all of whom are indigenous. The people of Vuelta Grande live on the crops they are able to cultivate, and from the sales of their products at the market in Antigua Guatemala. Furthermore, they do not have access to public transportation and have limited electricity and water.

The purpose and goal of Escuela Vuelta Grande is to provide primary education to all children.