Guatemala, a country rich in culture and heritage, faces significant educational challenges that particularly impact its rural and Indigenous populations.¹ According to the World Bank, over 50% of Guatemalans live in poverty, making it difficult for many families to prioritize or access schooling.² Government investment in education remains low—Guatemala spends less than 3% of its GDP on education, one of the lowest rates in Latin America.³ As a result, schools often lack adequate infrastructure, trained teachers, and learning materials. These systemic challenges contribute to one of the highest primary school dropout rates in the region, limiting future opportunities for many children and youth.
Rural communities are disproportionately affected by these barriers, especially in Quetzaltenango.⁴ UNICEF reports that only about 56% of students in rural areas complete primary school, while long travel distances, overcrowded classrooms, and unsafe or deteriorating school buildings make attendance difficult. In Quetzaltenango, many schools require additional classroom space and basic resources to serve the growing student population and improve educational outcomes. Without accessible and safe learning environments, children are more likely to fall behind or leave school altogether, perpetuating cycles of poverty and limited economic opportunity.
To help address these educational needs, HXP Builders will partner with local leaders to construct new classrooms in Quetzaltenango. This school will provide a safe and supportive environment for students to learn, grow, and pursue their goals. By creating additional classroom space, the project will reduce overcrowding, allow more children to enroll, and improve the overall quality of education. Beyond construction, HXP’s collaboration with the community ensures the school is sustainable, locally supported, and able to make a long-term impact on students and families for years to come.
Sources:
² CEIC
³ OECD
⁴ UNICEF