We believe in English language instruction

Hello! English Club launches to support second language program at Escuela Integrada

Over a three-year period, 48,000 jobs went unfilled in Guatemala because they required the ability to speak English (2017-2020).¹ Jobs in the formal workforce increasingly require English proficiency to support Guatemala’s biggest industries, such as tourism, manufacturing and tourism.

“For expanding businesses, young graduates, scientists and researchers, and international tourists, English proficiency broadens horizons, reduces barriers, and accelerates the exchange of information,” said Natiana Gándara, economics editor for Prensa Libre in Guatemala.

According to employers in Guatemala, English is one of the most important and in-demand skills for job applicants.² To meet this exponentially increasing need, GRACES’ new Hello! English Club will fund and increase the capacity of the English language program at Escuela Integrada.

Guatemala’s economy is far behind in an increasingly global economy, landing at 109 out of 157 economies on the Human Capital Index (2019), which measures the professional potential of a country’s citizens.³ On top of this, a statistically significant gap exists for the potential employment of children born to the richest 20 percent versus the poorest 20 percent.

GRACES’ serves the poorest 20 percent.⁴ Not only do we want our students to learn, we want them to thrive beyond expectations. English education is one way we can close the gap and provide a better chance at economic prosperity for our students.

With 70 percent of the workforce and the majority of our families working informal jobs—and, therefore, irregular jobs—we see a great educational opportunity to break the cycle of poverty. In a 2024 study of the impact of English on employment, it was found that for one industry alone, salaries for English-speaking employees are nearly 60 percent higher than minimum wage.⁵

The Hello! English Club will provide English language instruction every day at Escuela Integrada for students in 7th, 8th and 9th grade in partnership with teachers from Academia de Lideres Futuros. It will also fund the elementary school English teacher’s salary, English language classes for kindergarten through 6th grade once per week, and six scholarships for elementary students to participate in an English intensive.

What does it mean to be part of the Hello! English Club?

• Commit to supporting the program with a recurring gift of $25, $50 or $75 per month
• Receive quarterly video updates from students about their English studies
• Participate in opportunities to volunteer as a virtual conversation partner
• Attend a Hello! English Club virtual celebration at the end of the year planned by the students and an in-person celebration during Supporters Gathering
• Gain access to the exclusive Hello! English Club Facebook Group for supporters

As a member of the Hello! English Club, you can make a big impact for the future of our students! Will you consider joining us on this important initiative?