Education of Mayan Midwives in Guatemala

Our first nursing student, Celia, is entering the second half of her three year program.  This will involve clinical rotations in the regional hospital.  Her most recent courses had to be completed on line because of the pandemic. Because of where she lives, the internet connections are slow and sporadic.  Moreover, her laptop was old and slow, making her connections--when she could get them--tenuous. Thanks to the GlobalGiving funds, Celia was able to buy a new laptop which greatly improved her ability to stream courses.  Many of her physical examination introductory courses were on line.  She was required to demonstrate some physical examinations for her classmates using video which was made possible by her new laptop.

Celia recently completed a practical and written certification process to perform pregnancy ultrasound examinations in the Mayan birthing center. This, in conjunction with her nursing degree, will help provide the high standard of care that will further integrate the indigenous midwives into the Guatemalan health care system.