Challenges
Lack of quality education and teachers: Remote mountainous areas of Comalapa, Guatemala have limited access to education and trained teachers.
Communication barriers with agricultural volunteers: Locals struggle to communicate with volunteers who offer vital agricultural knowledge, limiting the impact of these initiatives.
Limited job opportunities due to lack of English skills: Without English proficiency, many residents are unable to access better employment opportunities.
Missed tourism income potential: The inability to communicate with tourists prevents locals from creating income opportunities like cafes, guided tours, bed and breakfasts, and cooking experiences, which would thrive with English knowledge.
Progress
Under the leadership of Luis Velasquez, Iglesia Misional has been working tirelessly to tackle these challenges. Empower Futurewave Foundation is very proud of our partnership with Iglesia Misional and thankful for the trust that Luis has placed in us. So far we have provided 125+ hours of English literacy classes to children and youth between ages of 6 and all the way to 24. Classes are delivered 2 times a week, and very soon the third batch for adults will commence. Our bilingual volunteers are not only breaking down communication barriers, but changing mindsets and or the first time these communities are collaborating with non faith based volunteers, which is a huge win. We are off to a slow start, but the drive is unwavering and commitment is absolute, from both sides.
