Since 1986 when the educational system of Guatemala was reformed, the literacy rate has improved, but still lags most of Latin America (Orozco & Valdivia, 2017).  As of 2014, 19% of the adult population is illiterate, which is down from 52% in 1986, but is much higher compared to the rest of Latin America of 7% (Orozco & Valdivia, 2017).  Additional disparities are evident when comparing genders, as 74% of the female population is literate, compared to 86% of males (Orozco & Valdivia, 2017).

            Part of the reforms of 1986 was a change in compulsory education to the 9th grade (Orozco & Valdivia, 2017).  Although Guatemala has reached an enrollment rate of 95% of primary schools, only about half of children attend grades 6th-8th, and about one quarter attend 9th-12th grade (Orozco & Valdivia, 2017).

“According to the World Bank, there are three main factors affecting the net enrollment rate at the secondary level: the lack of continuity between primary and secondary sectors, the limited number of public institutions offering this type of education, and the high cost of attending secondary school, particularly private schools. Further, gender-based inequality is accentuated at this stage: early marriage, teenage pregnancy and the need to assist the family affect girls disproportionately in this age range” (Orozco & Valdivia, 2017).

            Educational status has a large impact on health as people with a higher educational attainment have more control over their life and health (Skolnik, 2016).  As one’s educational level improves, so does their health (Skolnik, 2016).  This is no different in Guatemala.  Since the educational reforms, life expectancy has improved from 60.17 years in 1986, to 74.06 in 2018 (The World Bank).