Bridging the digital divide
From Paraguay to Bath: how one scholar is
using his PhD to boost young people’s
access to education back home.
“My main goal is to return to Paraguay and help shape policy,” says Guillermo Zaracho-Mármol, a first-generation graduate undertaking doctoral research at Bath. With experience in consulting and teaching, he’s already contributing to educational reform at home. Thanks to the support of the David Parkin PhD Scholarship, funded by the Esther Parkin Trust, Guillermo is now expanding his work to address the digital divide.
His research focuses on ‘digital orphans’ – young people in Paraguay surrounded by digital technology but lacking the resources and guidance to use it effectively for learning or civic engagement. As part of his PhD, Guillermo will assess the digital literacy of 150 rural and suburban schools, exploring how language, infrastructure and policy shape students’ access to education
"BATH FEELS LIKE A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN FLOURISH."
Through his work with Paraguay’s Ministry of Education and the European Union, Guillermo has seen first-hand the stark disparities between private and public schools. “Teachers not only lack the knowledge to use digital tools – they often don’t even have access to them,” he reflects. “Some schools don’t even have chairs. Classes are held under mango trees. We’re talking about AI now, but many schools don’t even have internet.”
Despite these challenges, Guillermo remains optimistic.
“My research will be the first of its kind in my country, and I want it to inform how we act and move forward. I’m incredibly grateful for the support. Without it, I wouldn’t have the resources, so it helps me, my family and, hopefully, my country."
The David Parkin PhD Scholarship honours a much-loved academic who joined the University in 1966 and later founded the Esther Parkin Trust in memory of his mother. His legacy lives on through support for international students and visiting academics. “International collaboration was very important to David,” says Trustee Emeritus Professor David Bird, recalling his friend’s global outlook shaped by his time in the Merchant Navy and his career in astrophysics.
The scholarship supports outstanding students from the Americas and was made possible by a £200,000 gift from the Esther Parkin Trust. Combined with previous donations of more than £748,000, it has created an endowed fund for doctoral education.
“Bath feels like a place where you can flourish – not just academically, but personally and culturally. I hope to grow holistically while I’m here: pursue a PhD, develop my research and expand my worldview.”
The scholarship is helping Guillermo, and others like him, turn opportunity into impact. “I want my donors to know I’ll do my best to make the most of their investment,” he adds. “Hopefully, they’ll be able to see it reflected in something tangible.”
Professor Manuel Barcia, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement)
“As someone who came to the UK from Cuba as a Chevening Scholar, I know how transformational education and research can be.
“Today, as Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement, I’m proud to champion the University of Bath’s digital innovation. From climate modelling to harnessing AI to improve decision-making and reshaping our supply chains to improve medical treatment, our research is making a global difference and transforming people’s lives in the real world.
“We’re also leading in climate modelling and digital mental health. With your continued support, we can push boundaries further and create a safer, smarter, more connected future for our communities."
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