First impressions

The last time I visited the TINFA projects in Guatemala were exactly 2 years ago, when the schools were in full action.

After a day visiting 2 schools and meeting with various actors, my first impressions are that the risk Covid is still very present in the communities, a lot has been put in place to minimize the risks and it is taken very seriously within the schools.

The protocol for entering at School Avenida Francisco Rodas requires that the student enters the school by themselves (the parents stay outside). All need to wear mask. The student steps on a mat of disinfection, then their temperature is taken. Finally a disinfection spread is administered forward and back.

In the classroom, 4 to 8 students attend class at any one time.

It is a very different feeling, with little movement and little noise in a place that used to be a bee hive of energy. Yet there is a certain level of excitement and positivity as this is a step towards coming back to in person classes, so critical for the student’s learning.