Reading Village is a non-profit organization based in Boulder, Colorado. Their mission: To transform lives through literacy. Reading Village has been working in the impoverished regions of Guatemala since 2006. Founder Linda Smith developed Reading Village in an attempt to lift up communities racked by poverty by awakening the youth to the power of literacy.
A Learning Journey is an eight-day tour including time in the colonial town of Antigua and the village of Panajachel, on the shore of Lake Atitlan. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore one of the most beautiful countries in the world while giving back to the Guatemalan communities at the same time. The trip itinerary includes tour of the ancient Maya site of Iximche, coffee cooperatives and spectacular rural farmland.
This year will mark the 5th semi-annual trip that Reading Village has conducted. In those years many lives have been changed by the cultural experience of a Learning Journey. Travelers are introduced to the Reading Promoters as well as children and teens who participate in the Reading Village program.
The trip cost is a partially tax-deductible donation of $1,900.00. A fifty-percent deposit is required up front. The cost includes all hotel accommodation, all ground and lake transportation, all breakfasts and lunches and one dinner. Costs that are not included are round-trip airfare from the US to Guatemala City (currently between $600 and $700 per person), travel insurance and the cost of dinners. Dinners are very inexpensive and very delicious in both Antigua and Panajachel.
Reading Village also offers several opportunities to save on the cost of the trip. By raising funds for the group locally you can attend at cost. Visit the website for more information about how you can help fundraise.
Learning Journeys accommodate ten travelers every six months. The upcoming 2013 trip will take place April 25th through May 2nd. Registration can be done on the Reading Village website or by contacting learningjourney@readingvillage.org.
For more information on the past trips to Guatemala and testimonials from past travelers visit ReadingVillage.org.
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