When Garrett and John Reed approached me about having a larger role in the nonprofit that Nancy and I founded almost 20 years ago, we were excited at the prospect. The timing of their retirements and the aging out of Nancy and I were a happy coincidence. Nancy and I were in their position 20 years ago when we decided to retire and also make a difference with the rest of our lives. We hope this legacy lives on with them and within others as long as the families in Guatemala are in need and young teachers are willing to prepare them to do what their parents can’t do, prepare children for success in school. Their passion for the cause of supporting young women and men and Guatemala so they can use their talents to make a difference in their communities, is just we were looking for.
Together John and Garrett are clearly qualified for the role they’ve taken. Their experience and love for teaching, lifelong passion for travel, fluency in the Spanish language, and willingness to engage with people they have never met and do not share their background, virtually assures them of success. They see along with us the opportunity to seize the mantle of leadership, not only to maintain the investment that’s been made in Guatemala, but also to grow Let’s Be Ready in the future.
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Let's be ready funds to grassroots programs in Guatemala headed by local women. These young Women Are Disrupting the Model of Preschool Education in Guatemala! I have visited them every year (except during covid) for the past 18 years.
The long-held belief that it takes decades to build classrooms and send teachers to provide early childhood development opportunities for the indigenous rural communities has been shattered. This year 53 young women in these communities have become the solution to this longstanding problem, shaking things up by opening “preschools” in their homes for over 600 children. For 2 hours a day kids ages four, five, and six are learning in small groups, using innovative activities. 95% are passing first grade and 80%staying through the 6th grade. Th
Fred and his team have been in the right places and at the right time to help very young Guatemalans pursue their powerful desire to learn Our organization has worked with Lets Be Ready since their beginning and admire their philiosophy and focus on teaching very young kids the basic tools they will need to succeed in highher school grades. Our program, Seeds for the Future has long considered Lets Be Ready a wonderful partner. and an asset to families in Guatremala. They deserve your support.
The bright eyes of the youngsters shown on Fred's site says it call.. . Supporting Lets Be Ready is great way to support a grass root s level NGO where every dime donated goes directly to help kids learn the basic skills needed to suceed in school the witness positive aspects of humanity.
Earl Vincent de Berge, Founder
www.seedsforthefuture.org
I've been volunteering with Lets Be Ready and Aula Magica for four years. My brother invited me to take part years ago and I've been hooked ever since.
As a high school teacher with 32 years of classroom experience. I'm well aware of what kiddos need in order to succeed. A big part of their success is tied to their early childhood education (think Head Start). Sadly, in Guatemala there is little if any governmental support for rural pre-K and K education. Thats where Lets BE Ready steps in to fill the gap. I've visited many of the "aulas" and have always been impressed by the dedication and skill of the local teachers. Combining traditional learning strategies with modern ones, they deliver lessons that teachers from industrialized countries just could not provide.
I'm totally sold on the model this non profit has developed as I've seen the results; happy, stimulated adjusted , well-nourished children. If you are interested in early childhood education for rural indigenous children, look no further.
I know the Mayan people have a tremendous sense of community and self reliance (no choice). I first donated to Let's be Ready in 2019. Giving very young children a chance to succeed in school is as good an investment in the future as I can imagine.
I enjoy a regular correspondence with a couple of the preschool teachers I sponsor and I am absolutely amazed at their dedication, creativity, and success. The students are blessed with a teacher that speaks their own language and is part of their community. The photos I receive show the 4 year olds learning about nature, writing, numbers, their culture, fine motor skills, and most importantly self confidence.
I would love to see Let's Be Ready grow and reach so many more children. When they succeed in their schooling they can change their world
Let's Be Ready does great work to provide a good start for young children in Guatemala! They train teachers and equip them with the skills to teach and nurture kids so that they enjoy learning and are eager to go to school. The teachers also work with parents, teaching them what they can do that will help improve the learning environment at home.
This kind of program is very necessary in a country where the government has not prioritized education (that's polite talk for saying the government has done a terrible job of providing quality education available to all).
Let's Be Ready is doing a great job and will use your support wisely.