Meet our students

Click on a student to learn more about them. While reading biographies, you might come across some unfamiliar terms having to do with the Guatemalan educational system.  To go to a quick Glossary click on the highlighted word in the student bio, or to go to a more complete description of the Guatemalan educational system, click here.

Cornelio

My name is Cornelio Poou Moran, I am 25 years old, and I was born in Coban, Alta Verapaz. I grew up in a humble house made out of wood. While other children were enjoying playing with their parents or were taken to school by them, in my case it

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Dinia

I am Dinia Reina Caal Oxom, and I was born on September 20, 1999, in the village of Gancho Caoba II, Cobán, Alta Verapaz, where I currently live. I am from a humble family of eleven members, and my father is a farmer. I am the fifth of the children.

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Erwin

I am Erwin Oswaldo Cajbón Macz. I am 19 years old, and I live in the village of Las Mercedes Pasacuc, Cobán, Alta Verapaz. I am studying for a two-year nursing degree, at the Galileo University in Ixcan Playa Grande, Quiche. I grew up in poverty; most of my clothes

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Gamaliel

I was born on October 19, 1999, in the regional hospital of Cobán, Alta Verapaz, with my residence being in the village of Chirrequiché, San Pedro Carchá of the same department. My parents were Alfonso and Fidelina, and I had a younger sister, Angela, and a younger brother, Jonathan. In

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Juan Carlos 2021

Juan Carlos

My name is Juan Carlos Choc Yaxcal.  When I was growing up, my family had to make and sell tamales, pinol, and empanadas to pay my school tuition in order for me to continue with my studies.  My family are good people who have helped me a lot.  I feel

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Julia

Hi, I’m Julia; my nickname is Chuya. They really don’t have a reason to say that to me, but I’ve gotten used to that nickname. I was born on September 19, 2001. When I was born my parents were happy because they were looking forward to me.  Since I was

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Meet Our High School Students

Click on a student to learn more about them. While reading biographies, you might come across some unfamiliar terms having to do with the Guatemalan educational system.  To go to a quick Glossary click on the highlighted word in the student bio, or to go to a more complete description of the Guatemalan educational system, click here.

Learn About The Guatemalan Education System

The educational system in Guatemala has some similarities and some differences from the one here in the US.  Like the American system, education is divided into primary (grades 1-6), middle (grades 7-9), and secondary (grades 10-12).  Unlike the US, only primary school is mandatory, and is the only level of education supported by the government.