In the misty mountains of Alta Verapaz, Guatemala, the digital divide is a daily reality for many indigenous girls. While 97% of students in the U.S. have internet access at home, that connectivity drops to an average of 37% in rural areas of the Latin American region. For students in rural communities, access to technology isn’t just about fun; it’s about being included in the modern world. At Talita Kumi, one of Fabretto’s impact partners for digital education, we are working together to ensure that “learning more” is a promise kept for every student.Talita Kumi, which translates to “Maiden, arise,” focuses specifically on the development and education of Q’eqchi’ women and girls. In a region where many girls grow up with little to no access to online tools, these classrooms are rewriting the script for what’s possible for digital education in Guatemala.

The Challenge of Staying Current

For years, the hurdle wasn’t just a lack of computers; it was a lack of capacity. Technology moves faster than many rural school systems can keep up with. As one digital education teacher, Ángel, in the Talita Kumi Carlo Acutis Digital Lab recently noted:

“Technology has evolved by leaps and bounds, and the truth is that it is extremely important to also be up to date regarding that, both in knowledge and in resources.” – Ángel, 24, Talita Kumi Educator

In past years, even when hardware was donated, Talita Kumi’s schools often couldn’t keep up with the demands of modern software. Ángel shared that working in the past was “quite complicated… with activities on platforms that demand a lot of capacity in both software and hardware equipment.” Without high-performance resources and the training to use them, even the most passionate teachers can feel like they are fighting an uphill battle.

In 2025 and 2026, support from Cross Catholic Outreach, the Raskob Foundation, and generous donors in the U.S. and Spain has equipped the computer labs with updated hardware.

Teacher Training: The Bridge to Innovation

To bridge this gap, we focus on a model of professional accompaniment. We recognize that a digital lab is only as transformative as the person leading the class. This is why we have prioritized training for 224 teachers and staff in tech integration across Guatemala and Honduras, to date.

We don’t simply drop off equipment and leave. We walk alongside our educators, strengthening their leadership so they can confidently navigate the digital landscape. This is a pillar of our work; if a teacher is empowered, students will be too. As Ángel explains, the focus is on “taking advantage of the tools we have at our fingertips… to provide a quality education as far as possible.”

This commitment to quality is why we also support 47 schools through our strategic partnerships. We understand that for innovation to take root, it needs a healthy ecosystem, including physical spaces like the 621 children who now have access to new libraries at their schools. By bridging the gap between digital literacy and traditional reading, we ensure students receive a well-rounded foundation for their future studies and careers. 

The Result: Growth in the Classroom

The impact of this training is visible the moment you step into the computer lab. Students are learning, creating, and problem-solving on-screen with their teacher’s support. This shift occurs when digital education in rural Central America is prioritized. Ángel has seen a significant difference in his students:

“There have been quite a few improvements regarding the digital skills of the students because platforms have been explored extensively… from the workshops received that have been of great benefit.” – Ángel

For a young 9th grader like Karina, these “improvements” translate to real-world confidence. Today, she is one of over 2,500 students gaining essential digital skills across the communities Fabretto serves. In a world that often overlooks rural indigenous girls, gaining computer skills is a powerful form of agency. It allows them to build the skills they will need for their future studies and leadership roles within their communities.

Empowering Communities Across Central America

Our work in Guatemala and Honduras is ultimately about the tangible impact felt in these rural regions and the enduring strength of the communities themselves. It’s a collaborative effort between local partners, dedicated educators, and committed supporters who believe that a girl in a rural village deserves the same quality of education as a student in a major city.

By strengthening digital education in Central America, we aren’t just teaching students how to use a computer; we are teaching them that they belong in the now and the future. 

Karina’s story is a testament to what happens when we combine the right tools with the right training. When she says, “Here, I learned more,” she is confirming that the “Maiden, arise” mission is working.

Join Fabretto’s Mission

Innovation is a journey, and we’re just getting started. Your support allows us to continue accompanying educators and students as they navigate an ever-changing digital world.

Learn more about Fabretto’s Education Innovation Program in Central America.