Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Education in Guatemala
Education is free and in theory compulsory between the ages of seven and 14. Primary edu-
cation lasts for six years, but the average school-leaving age is 11 years, according to UN
statistics. Secondary school begins at age 13 and comprises two cycles of three years each,
called
básico
and
magisterio
. Not all secondary education is free - a major deterrent for
many. Some people continue studying for their
magisterio
well into adulthood. Completing
magisterio
qualifies you to become a school teacher yourself. It's estimated that only about
34% of children of the 13-to-18 age group are in secondary school. Guatemala has five uni-
versities.
Overall, adult literacy is around 69% in Guatemala, but it's lower among women (63%)
and rural people. Maya children who do seasonal migrant work with their families are least
likely to get an education, as the time the families go away to work falls during the school
year. A limited amount of school teaching is done in Maya languages - chiefly the big four,
K'iche', Mam, Kaqchiquel and Q'eqchi' - but this rarely goes beyond the first couple of
years of primary school. Spanish remains the necessary tongue for anyone who wants to
get ahead in life.
