Currently, more than 60 mothers and grandmothers, ranging in age from nineteen to eighty-four years old, are learning to read and to write! The classes are taught by a local Guatemalan teacher, and by a long-term volunteer. Both are passionate and committed teachers who have developed close working relationships with their students.

One outstanding example of the success of the program is in the progress Doña Etelvina has made. At seventy-four years of age, she had never attended school. After only five months in the program, she is now able to read and write her name, recognize certain letters in the alphabet and do basic addition and subtraction. Many other students with only one or two years of primary education are now reading and writing at a third grade and fourth grade level!

They are positive role models for their children and grandchildren, as they show them that with hard work and determination, goals and dreams can be reached at any age.

To contact the Adult Literacy Program Coordinator directly, email adultliteracy@safepassage.org.

Beginning in June 2009, Safe Passage has a Mother Sponsorship Program, enabling us to offer much-needed support and encouragement to the women in our Adult Literacy Program.  We invite supporters to become sponsors and begin building meaningful relationships with the strong, motivated women who frequent the Adult Literacy Program's classroom.  Contact sponsorship@safepassage.org to learn more!

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