Glenda (Glendy) Xulú

Project: Computer Equipment for Technological Education

Quote: “If we want to build a society much better than the one that we have now, we have to work together.”

Favorite Book: The Pursuit of Happiness

Favorite Activities: Running, hiking, and swimming in rivers

About: A community activist for the Saquiyá Village, Glendy graduated as an Intercultural Bilingual Primary Education Teacher and has received training in leadership, violence prevention against women, reproductive sexual education, sustainable agriculture, and nutrition. Glendy started in community service at 16 years old and remains passionate about improving education and creating leadership opportunities for young people. Today, Glendy is an ambassador for the nonprofit organization SERES Association, where she works as a Facilitator of Programs in Transformative Experiences and as a mentor for interns. Additionally, Glendy volunteers to create safe spaces and dialogue, within and between communities, on the country’s most pressing political and socio-economic issues.  

Glendy attributes her identity and leadership skills to her experiences rather than traditional education, as traditional education doesn’t promote critical thinking or encourage individuals to become active members of society. For this reason, Glendy aims to provide students attending the school in her community with quality education and keep them connected to their culture through non-traditional education methodologies.

“I firmly believe that through my skills, qualities, and strengths I can contribute to the greatest changes we want in society and the world. I am excited to be part of this great network of Fellows who are channeling resources and opportunities for children and youth on education issues. As a teacher, I believe education is a fundamental tool to transform broken systems in the world. Although our education system is struggling in Guatemala, initiatives and programs such as those that ConnectED provide, support us to transform education in our communities and our country.”

Problem: Students do not have access to technology in school. Since the community is underdeveloped, the quality of, and access to education is negatively impacted. The lack of technology is preventing students from exploring their creativity and developing professional and personal skills. 

Solution: Glendy equipped a classroom with touch-screen computers, access to the internet, and a copy machine. Glendy firmly believes that by providing students with access to technology and quality education on technology information communication (TICs), students will develop fundamental skills, providing them with better opportunities now, and in their professional futures.