Emily Kenney, Marketing Coordinator for CoEd: For the past 13 years CoEd has been working to break the cycle of poverty in Guatemala through education. CoEd’s focus is sustainable educational programming, including textbooks, computer centers, teacher training and scholarships. We want Guatemalans to feel ownership of CoEd’s educational programs. When communities embrace a project, they see the empowering results in their children from education. That’s why what CoEd is doing is working for thousands of students in Guatemala.

Cincy Chic: Why have you decided to provide education instead of food, water and shelter?

Kenney: CoEd believes that education is the ticket out of poverty. When you improve the quality of a child’s education by providing textbooks or installing a computer lab, you are opening doors to job opportunities that would otherwise be unattainable. For example, a student at a school with a CoEd computer lab receives over 30 hours of computer instruction a year. When that student graduates, they are qualified for jobs that require computer skills, thus earning higher wages that help them better provide food, water and shelter for their families.

Cincy Chic: What kind of results have you seen from the work of CoEd?

Kenney: There have been so many incredible stories about how CoEd’s work is affecting the futures of the 92,700 students we are serving in Guatemala. Our studies have shown a 46 percent decline in drop-out rates, and 97 percent of teachers experience an increase in student comprehension at schools with CoEd textbooks.

In addition to those results, it's the personal stories that really hit home for me — like Rosa Beatrice, a third grader who has no books at home, comes into school early and stays in from recess to read the CoEd storybooks in her classroom. CoEd's program is providing the resources and the teacher training for Rosa to develop a love of reading at an early age.

Cincy Chic: CoEd recently celebrated its annual Fall Fiesta. What upcoming events should readers put on their calendars?

Kenney: Fall Fiesta this year was really fantastic, thanks to all those who helped make the night a success! Next up for CoEd are our Project Tours this coming February. Going on a CoEd Project Tour is the best way to see our projects in action. There are still seats available, but they are filling up quickly! Learn more about CoEd Project Tours, how to sign up and check out our new video.

Also, a book about CoEd will be released in the coming month, just in time for the holidays. Check out CoEduc.org to order your copy!

Cincy Chic: How else can local women help to provide Guatemalans with a solid education?

Kenney: There are so many opportunities for Cincinnati women to support education in Guatemala. Sponsorships are available at all levels — sponsor a scholarship student, computer workstation or a textbook school. If you are a sponsor and want to meet the student or the school you are supporting, you can do so on a CoEd Project Tour. If you want to spread the word about CoEd, contact us to arrange a speaker to come to your church, book club meeting, young professional group or any other gathering of friends and family! Contact us at coed@fuse.net for more information on how to get involved.

Cincy Chic: This is for our Thanksgiving issue, so why are you personally thankful for CoEd?

Kenney: Every day I am thankful for the people who surround me at CoEd, both in Cincinnati and Guatemala. CoEd's community of staff and supporters is filled with kind and generous people who are dedicated to the work we are doing. Similarly, in Guatemala, the teachers, parents and students have a passion for education and determination to break out of the cycle of poverty that is absolutely inspiring to me. I'm so thankful to be a part of CoEd.

Cincy Chic: Outside of CoEd, what do you do for fun?

Kenney: My friends and I are avid weekend travelers. We’re constantly searching for great airfare and hotel deals for our next trip. I love to travel and can't seem to stay put for very long, and luckily, I’m blessed with friends that have the travel bug as well! I also love searching for and finding new recipes to test out. I like to experiment with new ingredients. Somehow the whole cooking process is exciting and relaxing all at once.

Cincy Chic: What do you love most about Cincinnati?

Kenney: That’s a tough one. There are so many great things about living in Cincinnati, but if I have to pick one, then I’m going to say Xavier basketball. I’m an XU alum, and my favorite time of year is basketball season. Go Muskies!


PHOTO CREDITS

Photo courtesy of Emily Kenney

Linda Palacios
		About the author:
		Linda Palacios, an East-side native, is the editor of Cincy Chic. Send her an e-mail at lpalacios@cincychic.com.
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Last update: 23-11-2009 09:24

Published in : Magazine Items, Social