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By Anne-Marie Dingemans - Part 2
Lawrence, a 30-something old professional on a career break , came to Antigua Guatemala a couple of years ago to do volunteer work for about 3 months. She went to volunteer at one of my most favorite placements; an alternative day school. Public education in Guatemala is free, but students do have to wear a uniform and buy books and learning materials. The poorest in Guatemala can't afford this. So there are entire families where the multiple children are left to their own devices all day while both parents work from day break to dark to try and bring some food on the table (not always successfully). A few Guatemalan volunteers set up a small school for these children, with some donations from foreign governments and private donations. They were taught regular classes in the morning, and in the afternoon they would learn a craft and sell their products on the market and to tourists, so they could learn and help with the families' economy at the same time. This project always tried to serve a meal at mid-day, so they could be assured that these children would have at least 1 proper meal every day.
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