Sometimes young people aren’t able to continue on with secondary or post-secondary academic studies. Vocational training is the best solution to prepare them for a career. To help young people on a path to earning an income and breaking the cycle of poverty, ERDO assists by providing vocational training opportunities in some of our program countries.
The William Cornelius Vocational Training Centre (WCVTC) is a 50,000 square foot secondary and technical school in Guatemala, which is bringing a generation of young Guatemalans a first-class vocational training experience.
The vision at WCVTC is to influence a nation with well prepared graduates who will impact their workplace with practical skills, leadership and hope for the future. Breaking their cycle of poverty and raising the quality of life for their families, communities and country.
Market research in Guatemala indicated that a number of careers were in need of skilled workers. From this study, the roster of subjects taught at the school was developed, which includes:
- Dental Hygiene
- Computation (How to use, build, maintain and program computers)
- Electrical Engineering
As of 2024, there are 161 students in the junior high and in the vocational high school program. Dental Hygiene, Health Sciences, Computer Graphics, Computer Design and core secondary subjects are offered for the high school students. General academic courses along with options are offered for the junior high school students. ESL is a new course and one which offers students who learn English, better employment opportunities.
The school started with Global Workers from Hope City Church, Alan and Pauline Slater, moving to Guatemala in 1995 to learn the language, developing a business plan and drawings for a school. Over the course of 14 years land was secured, construction teams sent down and classrooms equipped. The school opened in 2007, and construction continued on additional areas of the school.
Edna Estrada is the School Administrator who works with an excellent Administration team and wonderful teachers to continue providing the students of Guatemala a Christian vocational education program. Alan and Pauline are back in Edmonton to share in life with their two children and their grandchildren.
Hope City Church continues to partner with the school in several ways, including ongoing financial support for the school, having several representative on the Canadian Board, as well as providing teams and materials for construction and renovation projects.