Gringos in Guatemala

Great blog I stumbled across by Michael Knutson, a new teacher at Life School in Panajachel. We helped Life School redo their computer lab a couple of years back:

Gringos in Guatemala ~ GuatemalaGringo.blogspot.com

http://guatemalagringo.blogspot.com/

Computers For Guatemala

Computers For Guatemala
computersforguatemala.com

* Home
* Computer Labs
* Recreation Park
* Other Projects
* About Guatemala
* How To Help
* Donors
* Positive Feedback

::Computers For Guatemala::

Having served in the Peace Corps in Guatemala from 1967 to 1970, I stayed in touch with friends, helping some of their children through school. On one trip to Guatemala I was asked by one student to meet with Catholic nuns who needed computers for their school. I put up signs in Darien CT and asked friends in New York City, and soon had 20 computers, which were sent to the school. Word spread in Guatemala and here at home, so to date we have sent over 300 computer systems to schools, orphanages, libraries and individuals, some in partnership with the Peace Corps, Catholic Charities, Child Aid, and a non-sectarian Quaker scholarship program.

We also have an eight acre recreation park “Nueva Vista” with playground equipment. We are growing fair trade coffee in the park and will use the profits to support the computer projects. Almost half of the park has been set aside for a suitable project such as a school or orphanage.

::Recent News::

* 03/12/2009: March 2009 News
* 11/26/2008: High School graduation in San Mateo Ixtatan, Huehuetenango
* 11/26/2008: Distributing Computers, October 2008
* 11/24/2008: Trip To Guatemala September 2008
* 06/29/2007: Board of Directors, & Field Coordinator
* 06/14/2007: Quaker Scholarship Students Receive Computers

::Our Logo::


Logo

Our logo is the Mayan symbol for both the Quetzal (national bird of Guatenala) and the Creator. By recycling a seemingly useless computer we give a Mayan child the means to create new things and hence the power to create a new life.

::Feedback::

"I can imagine no better way to serve the young and disenfranchised of Guatemala than to provide, as you have been doing for decades, funds for education, and now educationally-formatted computers. For anyone of whatever background or nationality to become a realized individual, having the tools, developing a personal mission, and defying the odds are basic requirements."

David Milholland
Peace Corps Volunteer Group XI Guatemala
June 8, 2007

::Contact Information::

Connecticut Address:
Donald L. Livingston
47 Nearwater Lane
Darien CT 06820

New York Address:
55 West 89th Street
New York NY 10024

Telephone: (917) 468-4391
Fax: (212) 724-5934
Email: don@computersforguatemala.com

Copyright 2008 Computers for Guatemala

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Hi Catherine,

I thought you'd be interested in learning about this group. We've just purchased two computers from them for $55 a pop! http://computersforguatemala.com/

Thanks as always for your help!

George

L.I.F.E. School in Panajachel

LIFE School Director George Nippo & Sucely (student)

We're selling beautiful, handbeaded keychains to raising money for computers for one of my favorite grade schools in Panajachel, with a multicultural group of Guatemalan, indigenous and American / European students:

SeeL.I.F.E. School (which can also use volunteers) at: http://www.lifeschoolweb.com/

LIFE School is located on the shores of Lake Atitlán, considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. The lake region is in the Guatemalan highlands, where the indigenous culture remains strong. Most families in this region continue to speak Mayan languages (Kaqchikel and Tz’utujil) and wear traditional, hand-woven clothing.

School Campus

The school is in a secluded, quiet area close to the lake. All buildings are simple brick constructions with tin roofs. During recess, students play on the playground, the basketball court, the ping-pong table, or the large soccer field. We have a well-stocked library as well as a small computer lab with wireless internet throughout the elementary campus. In 2008, a small group of generous donors provided a mobile lab consisting of 5 Mac iBooks and a laser printer that teachers can sign-out for their classes. (more)


Note: Some of us in the states are selling beautiful handbeaded Guatemalan keychains to raise money for Mac laptop computers for LIFE School in Panajachel, and asking local computer groups for donated laptops to take back. You could ask around as well if you have access to older or refurbished computers. They are very easy to pack when one comes to visit Lake Atitlan.


See more about this excellent international grade school at:

http://www.international-schoolfriends.com/schools-Robert_Muller_Life_School-Panajachel-Guatemala-9702-show.html

Wikitravel: Panajachel, Lake Atitlan

Wikitravel named one of TIME Magazine's 50 Best Websites of 2008
Panajachel
From Wikitravel
North America : Central America : Guatemala : Western Highlands : Lake Atitlán : Panajachel

Contents

* Get in
* Get around
* See
* Do
* Buy
* Eat
* Drink
* Sleep
o Nearby
* Get out

Panajachel is in the Western Highlands of Guatemala. Panajachel, or Pana as it is widely known is a small town on the North shore of Lake Atitlán. Pana is a small town with a booming tourist industry. With the exception of possibly Antigua, Panajachel is one of the major tourism areas in Guatemala.


Do

* Volunteer, at the Robert Muller LIFE School. LIFE's mission is to provide a top-notch, multicultural education to expat and indigenous children alike. LIFE School is the only English-speaking non-profit school in Guatemala. 77% of its current students receive some for of financial assistance. For more information please visit: LIFE School : www.lifeschoolweb.com

(more)