In case you missed it, we have just released our 2021 results with significant growth across the board. Let’s shine a spotlight on some of the numbers.

There was a 61% of improvement in teaching techniques in 2021. What does this mean? TINFA hires a consultant independent from the trainer to evaluate the teachers at the beginning and at the end of the school year. Teachers are asked 20 questions related to their knowledge of teaching techniques where they must demonstrate their skills. The questions test simple skills like “Show me how you use the mouse” to advanced skills such as “can you show me a video that you have edited?” Teachers must be able to demonstrate the skill as a part of their evaluation and their scores are recorded. At the end of the school year, teachers are asked the same 20 questions and their scores are compared to the beginning of the year to measure improvement in teaching techniques as a result of TINFA’s trainings.

We also reported that 81% of our students are advancing to middle school, which is 9% more compared to other rural schools in Guatemala. This is a really good number, considering the hardship and disruption of Covid-19. As school activities get back to “normal”, we are able to resume activities designed to encourage students continuing to middle school (activities paused in 2020-2021 due to the pandemic). For example, we are resuming the meetings with parents of 6th graders and middle school visits for 6th graders with the help of coordinators from the Ministry of Education. This is the first time the ministry is involved in the facilitation of these programs and they are very willing to work with TINFA! We are excited about the possibility of sustainability of such activities, with the ministry’s involvement.