We obtained certification from the Guatemalan Ministry of Education, and we started with one first grade class. After two years we realized that the first graders were doing kindergarten work. That year we started a kindergarten class rather than enroll another first grade class. We've added a grade each year since then and will graduate our first 6th grade class on November 1, 2010. <— 6th grade class

<— the Principal and 6th grade teacher Our Director, Carlos Pérez Raymundo, has developed a proposed budget that we're basing our expenses on. The budget as it is now does not allow for increases in teacher salaries, but we've decided to cross that bridge later. Fifth and sixth grade students pay Q.22.00 ($2.75) for each of 10 months and the lower grades pay Q.17.00 ($2.13) for each of 10 months. The registration fee is Q.25.00 ($3.13) per student. The parents also help with expenses for special celebrations such as the one-day anniversary celebration and field trips. When we received a donation that could have been used for either a new roof or computers for a lab, the teachers chose the new roof. They then personally took out a loan for 4 computers because they felt that the students needed technological opportunities. They also paid for a satellite connection for one year. They are still paying

on this loan and we're searchingfor donations so that the school can once again have a satellite connection. The teachers work until 4 p.m. every day for which they receive less than the government teachers receive for their half day. There are regular classes in the morning. In the afternoons the kids return for computer class and extra help, and there is time for teacher planning. <— The staff

The budget requires an actual expense of $35.00 for each of 12 months for each student. So, the yearly expense for each student is $420.00. That number will not change for 2010 or for the next 3 years. If you're interested in seeing the detailed budget, let me know, and I'll send you a copy.
Anniversary speaker —>

We've realized also that it's not good to leave the graduating 6th graders with no good option for continuing their education. Our dream is to obtain sufficient funds to start the satellite connection again and be able to offer junior high by long-distance computer classes for 8 of the graduating students. That would also require one additional teacher to monitor and help the students. The cooperative junior high in does not offer a quality education and long distance learning would give them a better education with less expense than traveling to which is an hour away. <— 3 princesses and 3 teachers

This is a rare faculty because they are committed to and vested in the school, its vision, goals, and values. They work together as a team--something that is extremely unusual in the Ixil area, and I attribute this to the excellent leadership of the Director, Carlos Pérez. We appreciate so very much the generosity, interest, and concern all of you have exhibited toward the Ixils and Light & Life School.

the 1st and 6th grades sing praise songs —>

If you have any further questions, please do contact me.

May the Lord bless you!

Sharon Rosenwald
Wycliffe Bible Translators
Email: sharon_rosenwald@sil.org
Phone:  303 586 1266
(U.S.) 5782 8001      (Guatemala)