About Us
How did Open Windows start?
Open Windows was founded in October 2001 by three energetic and committed women: Dr Jean Uelmen (USA), Teresa Quiñonez (Guatemala), and Ericka Kaplan (USA). All three wished to make a difference to the lives of the poor community of Teresa Quiñonez’s hometown: San Miguel Dueñas. They found a need and desire for children’s books, and so began loaning books within the community. Almost by accident, this developed into a free children’s educational center, run from one room donated by Teresa Quiñonez in her family home in Dueñas, with one salaried staff member and approximately 20 children.
The initial purpose of the library was to promote a joy and pride in reading, but it was soon discovered that even among the older children the ability to read and write was very limited. Many children were first generation readers, and books were not a normal part of Latin American culture (only 1% of Guatemalans read for pleasure). Added to that, around 2,000 Dueñas children do not go to school for various reasons, even though many of them have a strong desire to learn to read and write.
The library became about more than just about books. It grew into an educational center, which opened windows of opportunity to the local community. And so Open Windows, or Ventanas Abiertas, as it is known in Spanish, was created.
“It seemed like Open Windows had a life of its own. The children’s needs and desire to learn just kept pushing the Foundation along, and people kept on responding.”
—Dr. Jean Uelmen, Founder
As the community heard about the library, enrollment dramatically increased. Children were eager to learn, and parents were anxious to have a place that would support their children’s academic needs. Most of the community’s adults have limited formal education, if any, and are unable to support their children academically. They are, however, keen for them to attend (and finish) school, understanding only too well, the benefits of a formal education.
In less than four years the library has grown from twenty registered children to 1,000, with between 70 and 80 children visiting daily and staying approximately two hours. It is open five days a week and provides a variety of educational services, as well as an environment and atmosphere conducive to learning.
How did the Computer Center start?
In 2003 ten computers were generously donated to Open Windows by: Rotary International; the Rotary Club of Woodside, Portola Valley, CA; the Rotary Club of Redwood City, CA; and the Rotary Club of Antigua. This new Computer Center opened up a huge opportunity for the community of San Miguel Dueñas, to acquire computer skills, which would otherwise be almost impossible to learn. In a rapidly advancing world of technology, Open Windows’ computer center provides vital training in computer technology.
The technology program continues to develop. In April 2007, the construction of the new computer lab was completed. This new lab it has an additional ten computers, which came from a Matching Grant initiated by the Woodside/Portola Valley Rotary Club, with further collaboration through Rotary International and the Rotary Club of La Antigua, Guatemala. This development will allow twice as many students to receive computer classes.
Open Windows today
Five salaried staff members and approximately 18 volunteers each year provide the children with a friendly and positive environment in which to do their homework, learn to read, use learning materials, and participate in enjoyable educational activities to help hone developmental skills.
As the library outgrew its space of one small room, Open Windows undertook a construction project to expand its facilities by more than 100%, enabling the enrollment of at least 500 more children, young people, and adults (children are always given priority). The new library building has provided an extra 200 square meters, including two much-needed bathrooms. It is open from 8:30am-12pm and 1-5pm Monday through Friday.
Why is Open Windows necessary?
Being able to read, write and use a computer opens a real of opportunities to Guatemalans. It can make the difference between obtaining a higher salaried job, such as an office job or work in the tourist industry earning $8-10 a day, or being forced to have a manual job, like at one of the local coffee farms earning only $5 a day.
Evaluation
Beginning in December 2004, Open Windows initiated a bi-annual testing procedure in order to evaluate the progress the children enrolled have made. (For full details please download the document below.)