I need your help!

Dear blog readers –


Exciting news! I am in the process of obtaining 40 used desktop PCs to be used in two of the three schools that I work in here. 15 of the computers will go to my smallest and most rural school, and 25 will go to a “larger” (150 students) school in my town. The students already receive typing and basic computer classes, but since they don’t have computers in the schools and have minimal access to computers in the town (there are 2 public computers in the first town and 3 in the second), what they are actually absorbing from their books is minimal. Since many middle schools in Guatemala are equipped with computer labs, and since many jobs here require computer skills, the students in my communities are at a disadvantage professionally and academically.


(I'll add a disclaimer right now - I'm going to ask you for money!)

I should mention that the third school I work in also lacks computers, but I chose not to include them in this project because I don’t have as close of a relationship with them as I do with the other two schools, and I’m not confident that they would take the necessary steps to complete the project and to make sure that it is sustainable. Conversely, I have a close relationship with the directors and teachers in the other schools, and am confident that they will put forth all the effort necessary to fundraise for portion part of the project, and will provide money in the future for the maintenance of the computers.

I will be getting the computers through an organization called Computers for Hope (computersforhope.org), which is based about 4 hours away from me in Guatemala. They have worked with Peace Corps volunteers many times, and I have talked with several volunteers who have received computers from them. They all had positive things to say
about the organization. The computers will be donated, used desktop PCs that we will be buying at $65 each, and they come with a one-year warranty. Other costs of the project include transportation (to pick up the computers and bring them to the schools - $187.50) and desks and chairs for the computer labs ($1,521.25). A little more than 25% of the costs of the project will be covered by the communities, which leaves the rest (just over $3,000) to be covered by… ME! I’ve never tried to raise this much money before, so I’m a little nervous, but
I’m confident that it will come through. If not, they might make me stay here even longer than two years… just kidding. Also, this is the only project of this type (asking for large amounts of money) that I am planning to do during my service, just so you are aware :)

Obviously, feel free to comment or e-mail me if you have any questions. I hope you all had a great Easter!

Con mucho amor,
Elizabeth

P.S. Here's the link to the project description: https://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=donate.contribute.projDetail&projdesc=520-246 You can donate by clicking on the "Donate" button in the sidebar on the right side of the screen, and you can use a credit card or ACH bank check (not sure what that is). The donation is tax-deductible.

Students who will benefit from this project (in the town of Champollap, Guatemala)