In 2023, our Trustees agreed to fund the purchase of an innovate set of 20 laptops for Street Kids Direct, a charity working with vulnerable and at-risk children in Guatemala City, Guatemala. Last year, we updated our readers on the early impact of the “Smart Box” computers, as well as some Spanish reading books. We’re delighted to hear more about how the resources are helping in 2024.
One year after their purchase, SmartBox and books, funded by Hazel’s Footprints Trust, continue to be invaluable learning resources. The resources support 75 children who are educated at El Centro, the education and mentoring centre run by StreetKidsDirect in Guatemala City.
These computers are provided as “an all-inclusive” package known as a “SmartBox” that comprises a server, 20 Chromebook laptops and 20 Headsets for the children.
This is a perfect solution for El Centro’s children. It is a portable computer lab and electronic library that instantly transforms any classroom into a digital learning centre.
The Smart Box solves 5 key challenges for StreetKidsDirect and the work they do:
1. Limited Electricity – SmartBox runs on battery for an 8-hour school day, and recharges in 4 hours.
2. Internet Access – The server provides a vast collection of offline content delivered wirelessly to the laptops.
3. Learning Resources – Contains thousands of books, children’s readers, encyclopaedias and instructional videos.
4. Cost Effective & Practical – Students can learn in the absence of a qualified teacher and teachers have an in-house resource for professional development.
5. Security – SmartBox can be securely locked and stored each evening.
With 20 ChromeBook laptops & 20 headsets (that can be shared) the SmartBox facilitates classes up to 40 students and also contains a standalone server.
Students have access to Wikipedia, Khan Academy, Fantastic Phonics, textbooks, beginning readers, encyclopaedia, and more.
Custom content can be easily added, including biblical resources, word processing, spreadsheet, and PowerPoint applications. This allows the students to learn business skills. The Smart Box can be configured in English, Spanish or French and is provided by Innovative Education International.
SmartBox status
The Smart Box has been purchased and installed at Street Kids Direct mentoring centre at Casa Alexis, which is situated in the centre of Guatemala City.
The 20 computers are used Monday to Saturday by between 20-60. The children are at-risk, street-connected children, who range from 6 to 16 years of age.
They are also used by the staff and a wide range of volunteers, many of which were mentored and cared for by SKD before giving back and helping to support other children.
Casa Alexis is a safe, secure place for the children. It provides mentoring, counselling, and meals. In addition, outdoor trips enrich the children’s lives and set them on a path to a better, self-supporting adult life.
Reading books status
All of the reading books have now been purchased and are in use at the Casa Alexis mentoring center. StreetKidsDirect purchased a wide range of books covering age ranges from 3-13. They are being used to complement the educational studies that are undertaken with the children.
40% of children in Guatemala do not attend school. Receiving an education is critical to guiding them to a better life away from crime, violence and drugs.
Shown below are some photos of some of the 45 books purchased for El Centro. These were all selected and recommended by a major children’s bookstore in Guatemala City. Some of the books such as “Cinco Semanas en Globo” (Around the World in 80 days) by Jules Verne are in the Guatemalan National Curriculum so will also aid school studies.
StreetKidsDirect encourages creativity at its centres, including the interior décor, furniture, and fittings. One creative installation is a bookshelf made from tree trunks and branches to house all the books! It is already making a huge difference in encouraging the children to select and read the books.
