EDUCATING GIRLS IS CENTRAL TO ERADICATING POVERTY

(Newswire.net — January 3, 2018) Guatemala City, Zona 4 —

One of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals (SDGs) is the eradication of poverty worldwide. Another of the’s SDGs calls for gender equality and a quality education for all by 2030. 

Giving girls access to schooling is a central part of eradicating global poverty, according to the World Bank, because when girls get educated it has broad social implications. At the Mojarras School in a rural village of southwest Guatemala, the children of AgroAmerica’s employees have access to a quality education.  Not only are they getting excellent academic instruction the teachers use an immersive technology that addresses social and personal development.

 When Juliana Judith arrived at the school she stuttered and had difficulty speaking. At her previous school the other children had teased her and called her names. As a result, she was not keen to participate in class, which affected her academic progress.

 At the Mojarras school her teacher encouraged Juliana with positive reinforcement, complimenting her on her intelligence. The teacher also explained that she should not worry about getting a little stuck in her speech, as this happens to some people.  She continued to encourage Juliana to participate in the school activities, and it paid off.

 “To our surprise Juliana volunteered to represent her grade in our celebrations at the national holidays in September,” said Natalie, the Director of the Mojarras School.  “We talked to Juliana’s parents who were concerned about her speech difficulty.  But when we asked Juliana again, she was adamant that she wanted to participate.”

 The teachers worked with her for three months preparing for the big day and to everyone’s surprise Juliana developed the theme she had been given in a positive way and when she made the presentation she spoke very well.  She didn’t stutter at all.

Since that event Juliana’s speech has continued to improve and she has no noticeable stutter now.  She is now in seventh grade and doing very well.

“With the support of her parents and teachers Juliana was given the confidence to overcome her problems and develop,” said Natalie. Juliana recently took a course with children from some nearby schools and when the teacher asked questions Juliana was the only one who knew the answers.   She stood up and answered with great ease. The other children were impressed that she knew the answers. Juliana proudly said she had been taught this at her school. 

“We’re proud and satisfied that we are contributing to society with our methods at the Mojarras school helping girls like Juliana,” said Natalie.  “We produce capable children who can lift their faces in front of everyone and answer questions. They are prepared for their future.”