Carlos Marcial Sicán Chajón

Project: Accessible Education Through Chromebooks at Escuela Antigua Coffee

Quote: My mother taught me a phrase that I always have in mind: Si se quiere, se puede, I do not have to wait for others to do something, I must have initiative. 

Favorite Book: The Golden Volcano and Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas by Julio Verne

Favorite Activity: Horticulture and technology workshops

About: Carlos has worked in education for 28 years. Throughout his extensive career, Carlos has spent 10 years working in private schools and 18 in public schools. Currently, Carlos is teaching 3rd grade, however, with a degree in Computer Science, Carlos previously taught technology classes at the Antigua Coffee School, a vocational high school located in San Juan del Obispo, Sacatepéquez. Outside of school, Carlos is a collaborator for the non-governmental organization World Possible, repairing or installing the app RACHEL at public schools. In his spare time, Carlos runs a family eco-tourism micro-enterprise and promotes sustainable agricultural practices within his community. He also enjoys learning about the construction of sustainable homes and loves being outdoors. 

Carlos is passionate about the environment and integrates environmental education, specifically deforestation and ecosystem degradation, into his curriculum. Carlos hopes to improve environmental awareness and stewardship within his community and schools by integrating topics that are not traditionally addressed in these settings. Carlos is concerned with the lack of 21st-century skills training available to youth in his community and the impact this has on preparing them for higher education or employment. 

“I like being a teacher because I help people. I get to know children and parents through the teaching process, and I also learn a lot from them.”

Problem: Students do not have access to technology for their technology class. As the technology teacher at a vocational school, Carlos hosted classes at his own home where students could travel, through dangerous conditions, to learn technology skills on devices.

Solution: Carlos equipped the high school with Chromebooks and open educational resources for students. This center allows technology classes to be more meaningful as students are given the tools to develop their vocational skills and are provided with the knowledge to increase their employment opportunities and achieve a better quality of life.