innovative giving
MAIA in Context
The MAIA Impact School is located in Sololá, Guatemala
MAIA is a locally-oriented school, with 95% of the staff being indigenous women from Sololá
There are currently 189 girls enrolled
Over 2,500 family members have been impacted and supported by MAIA programs
““We are driven by the question ‘How far can she go?’””
The Problem
Though the students at MAIA Impact School excel in science and math fields, the school has struggled to bring literacy rates to match the same high standards set by STEM field scores. The best way to change that would be to expose MAIA girls to literature. However, the school has limited access to books, and no access to technological programs that would greatly increase exposure.
““Every educator and mentor at the Impact School receives 100+ hours of professional development every year.””
The Solution
Circle of Women has provided e-readers for students so they have access to literature at home and in school. Technology has the incredible ability to unleash access like never before, and MAIA is Circle’s first project in this realm of innovative giving. A love of reading and appreciation for great writing are not facets that should be reserved for any portion of the population, but made available to all. Technology allows MAIA to do just that.
““Our team of local leaders knows that if she can see it, she can be it.””
Sustainability
Circle has supported MAIA with 54 Amazon Fire Tablets to create a digital library for students. With these high quality e-readers, students can do their reading at home using over ten hours of battery life. In extension, the digital learning software allows for more books to be purchased, and for an expansion of MAIA’s digital library as the school sees fit. Ultimately, this opportunity to develop new curriculum with the e-readers is both an innovative and sustainable one.
““MAIA is creating a generation of empowered leaders who have the knowledge and resources they need to lead choice-filled lives, break cycles of poverty, and ignite transformational change...””
