There is a 52% illiteracy rate in Guatemala (as compared to 13% in the United States), with many parts of the rural areas reaching upwards of 85-90% illiteracy. The children of the rural Indians and urban poor often do not study past third or fourth grade since they are needed to help make a living so that their family can survive.
While education is technically free in the Guatemalan school system, 60% of the children nationwide drop out prior to starting seventh grade. Many cannot afford the pens, notebooks, bus fare, lunches, clothing and other school supplies that are required to attend the local school.
It is almost a 100% certainty that the children of The GOD'S CHILD Project would not be attending school (and therefore improving their chances for a successful future) if he or she were not receiving assistance through The GOD'S CHILD Project.