Ricardo – Guatemalan Student Support Group

My name is Ricardo Quib Mucú. I am from a village called El Limón Yalicar, Chisec of Alta Verapaz. I live with my parents and siblings. We work in agriculture to sustain ourselves. The work we do requires spending about 10 to 11 hours of hard work every day in the fields and exposing ourselves to the sun, rain, and storms. In order for us to work in the fields, we have to use a machete and hand file and wear jeans and long-sleeve shirts to protect ourselves from getting sunburnt. We also use a hat to protect our face and neck. At the same time we also carry a backpack that contains a 3.3 liter bottle of water or coffee and our lunch.

At the moment, I am in the fifth year of study for a Bachelor’s in Business Administration at the University Mesoamericana. Business administration is important to the country’s economic sector. The creation of companies generates economic development and employment, and it also facilitates credit access for business growth in order to maximize profitability.

The goal I’m closest to finishing is completing the Bachelor of Business Administration this year. Then, I will need to start the professional project in order to be eligible for the private exam. My family is very happy because I’m studying at college.

Education System Glossary

Basico

Since the Guatemalan government only funds education to the end of elementary school, it is not all that common, especially in the rural areas, for someone to graduate from middle school. Thus, these students are awarded an actual degree, called the Basico, which carries some weight when looking for a job, etc.

Diversificado

High school comes in a variety of flavors in Guatemala. All of course are private, and there are seemingly as many curriculums as there are schools. Some high schools focus on particular careers, such as teaching, accounting, surveying, etc. Usually, it takes 3-4 years to complete, and they are awarded with a certificate of competency at the end. In teaching, the certificate entitles one to teach at the elementary school level only. More academically-oriented high schools have a curriculum similar to US schools, which includes language arts, math, science, history, etc. These typically require 4-5 years to complete, and graduates are awarded the Diversificado degree, which is required if the student wishes to continue their education at the University level. This is the degree that most GSSG-supported high school students are pursuing.

Technico / Licenciatura

The University system in Guatemala is like the high school system, in that there are many degrees, and many ways to get a degree. There is only one public university, the University of San Carlos, and about a dozen private universities. Like high school, students can decide early to specialize in a particular field, and after 2-3 years, graduate with a “tecnico” degree. In education, this degree awards them the title of “Profesor”, and qualifies them to teach all the way through high school. For those wishing to go further in Education or other fields, there is the “Licenciatura” degree, which is awarded after four years of study in one’s major plus an additional year researching and writing a thesis that addresses some national problem in Guatemala. So far, three GSSG students have been awarded their Licenciatura degree, with several more hoping to have theirs by next year.

Sponsor Ricardo for just $25/month

Mission

The mission of the Guatemalan Student Support Group is to partner with impoverished Guatemalan communities to provide greater educational opportunities for their children.

Vision

The Vision of the Guatemalan Student Support Group is that all children of Guatemala will have access to quality education regardless of their socioeconomic situation.

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