IF YOU THINK IN TERMS OF A YEAR, PLANT A SEED; IF IN TERMS OF TEN YEARS, PLANT TREES; IF IN TERMS OF 100 YEARS, TEACH THE PEOPLE

"If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; if in terms of ten years, plant trees; if in terms of 100 years, teach the people."

                                                           - Confucius (BC 551-BC 479) Chinese philosopher.

This is the first of a two-part blog examining the education system in Guatemala. In the first part I wish to give a general overview of the education system, illustrate the accessibility to and demographic disparities regarding education in Guatemala, and discuss the results of the relatively poor education level of the Guatemalan population. The second of the two-parts intends to explore what ensues for those fortunate enough to complete a secondary and tertiary education and the disparity between the cost of a tertiary education in Guatemala and the earning potential in Guatemala.

Not off to a great start…

The government of Guatemala requires that all children must attend school for a minimum of 6 years – primary school. There are a number of government-funded schools across the country that provide the compulsory, free education that is stipulated. Unfortunately for a number of reasons the reality of the situation is that, while the education is free, the cost of uniforms, books and transport to and from school is beyond the means of many families. The net result is that, in Guatemala, (although some children may actually attend school for longer than 5 years) less than 70% of children starting school in grade/year 1 will achieve completion of grade/year 5.

…And the statistics only get worse

Of the secondary school-aged population in Guatemala only 35% will be enrolled to begin their secondary school education. 8.5% of the tertiary-aged population will enrol to further their education in a University or a tertiary education institute. Exact figures are difficult to find but it is estimated that only ~2% of the tertiary-aged population will continue these studies and graduate with a bachelor’s degree (equivalent or higher).

The most vulnerable demographics

The education levels between the indigenous peoples and non-indigenous peoples in Latin America are noticeably different, however, nowhere more so than in Guatemala. In the adult population of Guatemala, the indigenous (Mayan) people have, on average, half the number of years of education as the non-indigenous (Ladino) people – 2.5 years cf. 5.7 years. In the younger demographic the margin is lessening but is still very significant. The school completion rate for indigenous girls is half that of non-indigenous girls and approximately a third that of all boys.

There are also significant gender disparities. Across all cultural groups, female students are the most likely to withdraw from school prematurely. Often the female students are considered more valuable as home-makers; cleaning the family house and caring for younger siblings. Studies have found there is a direct correlation between having a new-born baby in the family and the termination of the education of an (older) daughter living in the parental home. Another study concerning the education system of Guatemala noted, in 2007, that: “parental concerns over allowing adolescent girls to mix with boys overwhelm other reasons for keeping girls at home”. These concerns probably stem from another major issue here; the extremely high fertility rate in Guatemala.

As you would expect the impoverished also suffer heavily. Often those living in severe poverty are the less educated population and thus in many cases the parents don’t understand the value of a high school and tertiary education for their children. Frequently the parents will allow or even encourage their children to leave school to work in similarly low-skilled and poorly-paid jobs as they themselves hold. Furthermore, by definition these families can barely cover the costs of living; let alone the burden of school uniforms, books, transport etc. Sadly for many children that fall into this demographic, school is simply not a reality.

The cost to the country

The illiteracy rate of Guatemala sits significantly below the majority of Latin America with a meagre 69.1% of people over the age of 15 literate. This is a major contributing factor to the incredibly high poverty rate (greater than 50% of the population live in poverty) as a vast percentage of the population simply don’t have the fundamental basics of reading and writing. Consequently, many people are forced into low-skilled and poorly-paid employment. This lack of basic education costs the country dearly in terms of GDP. A study in 2008 suggested that, as a direct result of premature secondary school leaving, the benefit to society forgone annually is 58.8% of GDP.

When considering the GDP per person of Guatemala, the education level is severely disproportionate. Aside from Haiti, Guatemala performs the worst in nearly every education statistic when compared to the remainder of Latin America regardless of GDP or other prosperity indexes.

Tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today

While many of the statistics discussed above are alarming it should be noted that they are significantly better now than 20, 10 even 5 years ago. Guatemala is improving slowly with gradual advances in education level and quality. Much of this improvement is on the back of foreign-aid and the tireless work of non-governmental organisations. It is my belief that although the Guatemalan government is currently investing very little money in the education system there will be a time in the near future where they will have no option. As the population generally becomes more educated they will demand stronger emphasis on education and greater investment in education by the Government.

Guatemala is taking a step in the right direction. For now it is not important how the education comes about but rather that the people become empowered. With an educated population comes educated decision-making and in turn a future to look forward to. Guatemala is heading for that future…albeit slowly.

While I cannot speak from first-hand experience, I have lived with a number of great 100-year-thinkers who volunteer at Niños de Guatemala (one of many education-based non governmental organisations in Guatemala). If you are interested to see the change that these friends have helped make to some of Guatemala’s most underprivileged, follow the link below. And if you want to help make a difference, even better!

http://www.ninosdeguatemala.org/