A new home for Escuelita David LaMotte

The Escuelita David LaMotte in Tzanchaj, Atitlán, Guatemala serves Maya children who cannot afford the necessary fees at public schools. Serving about 55 children each year since 2005, it has become an important community resource, and has provided educational opportunities to children who would very likely not attend school otherwise. Currently, the Escuelita (little school) currently serves children up through second grade, though the teachers and principal, Melchora Rujuch, have a vision to grow the school up through fifth grade.

The local children, who speak Tzutujil as a first language, get a head start on Spanish, math, and literacy before entering the public schools, and experience a loving and nourishing environment for their first exposure to education. Partner organizations like BEAMS, Mayanza, and M.A.O.-Guatemala have also provided health and dental screenings for the students, access they would not have if the school were not there.