The 2026 school year in Guatemala is off to a great start! Classrooms are buzzing with activity, desks are packed with materials, and whiteboards are working overtime as our Open Books, Open Minds curriculum is once again implemented in the pre-Kindergarden through third grade levels. We checked in with some students to see what they are excited about for the coming year.

Global Learning Exchange Initiative’s programming is grounded in a curriculum designed to encourage, improve and strengthen children’s reading and writing skills. With early intervention and constant feedback, we can make a difference for students now and in the future.

As the year comes to a close, we wanted to step back and talk more about GLXi’s core mission in Guatemala, and why it is important. We hope you enjoy our Q and A with Dr. Juan Fernando Porres, GLXi’s director of education, and Andrea Tumax, our psychopedagogical intervention and evaluation coordinator.

The 2025 IDEL assessment results show us that GLXi’s Open Books, Open Minds curriculum is increasing its impact every year on student reading, across grade levels and throughout multiple regions of Guatemala.

By providing resources and teacher training to some of the more vulnerable areas of Guatemala, Global Learning Exchange Initiative is steadily building a future for children who face a very different reality than those in more affluent areas of the country and in the U.S.

GLXi’s Open Minds in Action workshops deliver information, tools, and activities that Guatemalan teachers have identified themselves as important and helpful to bring back to their classrooms.

Not only are these workshops fun, but they also foster meaningful connections among GLXiⓇ trained teachers, and provide continuous support throughout the school year.

Allan’s eyes light up each time he sounds out a new word, a small but powerful victory that echoes through his home. His family can’t help but share their pride with his GLXi-trained teacher at Escuela Oficial Rural Mixta in San Juaneritos, San Juan Sacatepéquez, Guatemala:

Every year on June 25, Guatemala celebrates Teacher Day to recognize the essential role educators play in shaping future generations.  At Global Learning Exchange Initiative (GLXi), we joined this national celebration by turning June into “Teacher Month.” 

Global Learning Exchange Initiative (GLXi) champions literature, not just as a tool for literacy, but as a path to emotional connection, cultural pride, and transformation.

During the month of June, GLXi is celebrating teachers with a special initiative! In Guatemala, Teachers Day is celebrated on June 25. There are still many Guatemalan teachers who dream of brighter futures for themselves and their students! We are looking for awesome sponsors that help us bring literacy and technology across the country!