MINEDUC, UNICEF and the Municipality of Cobán launch the construction of the Early Childhood Reference Center in Alta Verapaz

Cobán, Alta Verapaz, September 3, 2025 – The Ministry of Education, together with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Municipality of Cobán, laid the cornerstone of the Departmental Reference Center for Early Childhood in Cobán, Alta Verapaz.

This significant event marks the beginning of a transformative project aimed at strengthening the training, capacity building, and comprehensive care of children under six years of age in the department. The Alta Verapaz Reference Center is the first of four planned centers, with others to be established in the departments of Chiquimula, Quiché, and San Marcos. Each center is expected to benefit more than 500 educators in their training process to support early childhood development, and over 10,000 children.

The Center, the result of collaboration between the Ministry of Education, UNICEF, and the Municipality of Cobán, is part of the Prioritized Program on Educational Innovation and Transformation, managed by UNICEF with financial support from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE). This space will serve as a benchmark for the training of service providers, early childhood educators, and the community at large, ensuring quality services that promote the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development of children.

Ana Lucía Morales, Education Specialist at UNICEF Guatemala, stated: “Today we are not only laying the cornerstone of a building, but we are laying the foundations for a brighter future for the children of Alta Verapaz. This Center will be a learning space, equipped with cutting-edge technology and cultural relevance, designed for early childhood professionals to strengthen their skills and provide quality, comprehensive care. Our dream is for every child to reach their full potential, and this project is a firm step toward that goal.”

The Reference Center will provide training for professionals at the national, departmental, and local levels, along with modern equipment and a functional design that encourages hands-on teaching. This space will not only impact education but will also promote community development, health, and nutrition, acting as a catalyst for the socioeconomic and cultural progress of Alta Verapaz.

UNICEF thanks the Ministry of Education for its commitment to early childhood, the Municipality of Cobán for providing the land and logistics, and the community for its support. This project reflects the power of collaboration between governments, international organizations, donors, and local communities to build a promising future for Guatemala’s children.