Rolan

Meet

Rolan

My name is Rolan Eriberto Cristobal Coc Choc. I was born in a beautiful village called El Bongo, El Estor, Izabal. I am twenty-seven years old and in my personality I try to include the traits of generosity, thoughtfulness, and kindness. I always encourage fighting for what you desire and believe in. I encourage doing it through God because nothing great is easy, and with God everything is possible.

I am a student who is motivated to learn and succeed. I strive to become an outstanding and successful man in today’s society. My goals are to become a professional Science teacher and own an egg farm (which I’ve already started) in my native village. I am currently completing my technical degree in Natural Science, at University of San Carlos of Guatemala.

As an egg farm owner, I’m nearing the ability to create job opportunities for my people so they, too, can take care of their families.

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 Rolan 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.

Questions? Contact:

Website Design by Carrboro Creative