LAVOSI is a beacon of hope and opportunity for many that otherwise would remain trapped in the silent world of hopelessness and despair!
Deaf children in Guatemala suffer great discrimination both individually and culturally. Few attend school and many are hidden away as they are considered a shame to the family. We opened LAVOSI in January 2010 and have been very pleased with the support that we have received both from the local community and from around the world.
The sad fact is that the deaf are left out of society here. They are discriminated against and exploited. They find it almost impossible to find work, and when they do, they receive far less wages. The public schools make no provisions for deaf students. A typical class size in the public school system is 30 to 35 students, making it difficult for any student, much more so for a deaf child. They are left out and left behind! The few private schools for the deaf are mostly located in Guatemala City, which is too far away and too costly for the majority of people that need their services.
From the moment our students enter our doors they find a beautiful, spacious facility and are greeted with the smiles and hugs that give them a sense of belonging that they don’t find in many other places. At LAVOSI the deaf and their families find a loving, caring and professional educational environment. Our services are free and open to all regardless of financial status, religious affiliation or social status.
Please visit the“Friends of the Deaf” FaceBook page for more pictures and information about LAVOSI.
