CHOICE Humanitarian Guatemala

What would you give up?

2011-06-15T12:42:00.015-06:00

Before Gretchen left for the CHOICE Humanitarian-DownEast Outfitters expedition, she shared with us a touching story about how her whole family got involved with this project. We asked if she would share that story with all of you.

Women of Chirixquitzac.

"I want to start by stating just how excited I am to go to Guatemala on behalf of DownEast Outfitters. It is an honor to have the opportunity to join this trip and help Chirixquitzac build the school house so badly needed. As soon as I found out I was going on this great adventure I drove home - quicker then I should have - to share the news with my family. They were so excited to hear the news and we were soon making plans on how to make this experience meaningful for all of us.

My Daughter, Vivian, informed me she would like to join me and help build the school house. She talked about how nice it would be to live with the people and play with the children. I told her how bad I felt because it was too expensive for me to pay for her to go.

A few days later Vivian told me she had been saving up for a car and would like to use that money to go to Guatemala instead. She told me that she would rather spend the money for this cause then for her car. She said she could save up for her car at anytime and going with me to build the school house was a once in a life time opportunity where her money would be put to better use.

Young expeditioner in Guatemala.

What makes this such a tearjerker is that my Vivian is 20 years old and has Aspbergers which is a high functioning autism. People with this disorder have a hard time being with people. All Vivian has talked about is how excited she is and how nice it will be to live within a different culture and work and play alongside them. She is an extremely hard worker and I know she will work as hard and play harder than the rest of us who have the privilege of going.

School Children in Chirixquitzac, Guatemala.

My son Henry is 16 years old and a varsity scout. He decided as one of his projects he would gather school material for the children of this small community with the help of the scouts. He helped make the 240 flyers that were distributed throughout the neighborhood and gave the other scouts their street assignments. The following Saturday the scouts went and picked up the school supplies from the homes in the neighborhood. I cannot tell you how proud I am of Henry and all he did for the children. Not only is he touching the lives of the small community in Guatemala, but he also brought our community together and helped teach the younger scouts the importance of helping those less fortunate."

Thank you, Gretchen, Vivian and Henry, for your amazing story of sacrifice and service. The villagers of Chirixquitzac will always remember what you have done for them. Thank you for making a difference.

Something Unheard Of

2011-05-23T10:28:00.009-06:00

The community of Chirixquitzac, Guatemala has come so far since DownEast Home and Clothing began supporting them in 2009. Women are learning how to read and write, families have access to clean drinking water, women are growing home gardens, and the community has worked together to start small businesses to help fund their goals.

Family Garden.

Adult Literacy Class

Because of these successes, and their new skills and confidence, this community has done something that is unheard of in the area. Chirixquitzac borrowed a very large sum of money from the government to purchase the land they have lived on for many years, thus allowing them to cultivate the land. The loan is to be paid back within 10 years.

Jorge, CHOICE In-Country Director for Guatemala, said, "at first glance it seems like an impossible task for a poor community where there are few economic opportunities to repay such a debt, but they do have a great desire to escape from extreme poverty and that is powerful."

We are absolutely astonished to tell you that in the last year they have paid off seventy-five percent of the loan! They used the proceeds from harvesting and selling the Cardamom grown on the newly acquired land. This community is really motivated to get out of poverty.

Cardamom, of the ginger family. Used as a spice.

Jorge congratulated Chirixquitzac and said, "It is wonderful to see and be part of a community that has not surrendered to poverty, but are fighting for and are committed to achieving a better quality of life."

Because of DownEast's support, Chirixquitzac is learning the vital skills necessary to make their dreams a reality. How amazing is that? Next month a group of DownEast employees will travel to Chirixquitzac to help build a school house, another step out of poverty. We wish you all a wonderful and safe trip.

Building Foundations

2011-05-17T14:17:00.009-06:00

The foundation of the hospital in Nueva Conception, Guatemala is done! Thanks to your help, this hospital moves closer and closer to completion. The surrounding villages are anxious to complete this project and are contributing whatever they can – mainly their time and labor. Ten communities rotate each week providing 10 - 20 men to work 6 days a week, 8 hours a day, on this construction project. This often means sacrificing valuable time normally spent tending to the needs of their family. Those who volunteer must adjust their schedules at home to plant, maintain and harvest their crops. But they are eager to make this sacrifice because they know how valuable this hospital will be.

Gerardo Choc

Gerardo Choc is one of the volunteers donating labor to the cause. He wanted to let Spectrum know how he feels about the opportunity to contribute to this project: “I feel very happy and pleased with all the communities who have volunteered so this work can become a reality in just a short time. We are working hard to finish the hospital so we can soon have health care. It will also benefit our children who will be taken care of. For this, we have worked so diligently. Thank you to all the institutions that have made this possible.”

We hope you are as excited as the villagers are about the progress of their hospital. These villagers are investing everything they can to support this project and are enormously grateful for your support. Thank you for your support, including Spectrum Healthcare and Sigular Humanitarian, who are helping to make all this possible!

Article from Home Accents Today.

2011-05-17T12:14:00.002-06:00

Retailer DownEast Home & Clothing launched a marketing initiative to benefit CHOICE Humanitarian, a nonprofit working in rural villages in developing countries.

From May 16 through June 18, 2011, customers who donate $5 or more to CHOICE Humanitarian receive a $5 coupon off their next purchase of $35 or more of home furnishings or apparel. Proceeds will help CHOICE and DownEast build a school in Guatemala this June. Also during that 30-day period, those interested in participating in CHOICE's international outreach can register for a chance to join an expedition, an experience valued at over $2,000.
The initiative grew out of a partnership between DownEast employees and CHOICE that began in 2009. In 2010, a group of DownEast employees, along with COO Rich Israelsen, traveled with CHOICE Humanitarian to Chirixquitzac village in Guatemala, where they spent a week working alongside villagers digging trenches to help build the community's first system to provide clean drinking water. This June, a second DownEast group will travel with CHOICE to help build the village's first elementary school.

To read more, visit this article at Home Accents Today

What is it like?

2011-04-15T14:40:00.008-06:00

Professor Jaime Enrique teaches 27 little students between the ages of four and six in the village of Chirixquitzac, Guatemala. A few children bring small workbooks to class. One student even carries a bright pink "Hanna Montana" backpack. Even though they come to school each day eager to learn, the condition of their schoolhouse makes the task very difficult. Jaime explained, "It is very hard for them to work in these conditions. It is almost impossible."

Professor Jaime Enrique

Parents in Chirixquitzac are very concerned about the education of their children and are anxious to construct a new schoolhouse with your help. Jorge, CHOICE In-Country Director of Guatemala, recently took a tour of the current classroom and wanted to share a video with you showing what it is like for these students to go to school each day. Thanks to the support of DownEast, these little students will soon have a new schoolhouse and better future through the promotion of a good education.

Gaining Momentum in Chirixquitzac

2011-03-11T16:01:00.008-07:00

Can you believe it? Now that the village of Chirixquitzac has completed their first project, with the help of DownEast employees, they are already anxiously planning to achieve their next goal. This is exciting news!

A water system: Chirixquitzac's first project.

The community has already identified their next project. They desperately want a schoolhouse for their children. The children are currently studying in an old, dilapidated church with dirt floors, bare and drafty walls, and no desks.

A few concerned parents built some wood benches for the children, but without proper school desks, any writing exercises or art projects are extremely difficult, and the children get antsy and distracted sitting on the uncomfortable benches.
As with the original water project, the villagers will be busy for the next few months organizing themselves - identifying resources, sourcing labor, raising money for capitol, and identifying and procuring the land. CHOICE is excited to see how they approach this project now that they have learned some basic leadership, networking and organizational skills from the previous project. We will keep you posted as this project gets going. It is so exciting to see progress in this village and your support and companies like DownEast Home and Clothing is making it happen.

Growing a Healthy Future

2011-02-14T16:00:00.000-07:00

There is just something wonderful about eating a meal with vegetables from your very own garden. For the villagers of Chirixquitzac, vegetables were a luxury... if you could get to the local market and if you could pay the expensive prices. Now, thanks to the family garden program started by CHOICE Humanitarian (with support from DownEast Home and Clothing) families in the community are selling vegetables instead of buying them. Just take a look at Mauricia Ical's beautiful garden!

Mauricia in her garden.

Mauricia has already harvested many vegetables including carrots which she was able to sell for $0.50 a piece! Not only is she now able to provide her family with a variety of nutritious vegetables, she can also bring in a little income. Mauricia excitedly told us, "I can now provide better nutrition for good health for my five children." Right now all the women in the community are planting tomatoes and onions.

Thank you for supporting Mauricia and the entire village of Chirixquitzac. Real lasting change is beginning to take place.

Coming Into Focus

2011-02-14T15:57:00.000-07:00

For the past ten years, Tux Hermojenes of Xalibe, Guatemala has lived without eyesight. As you might imagine, this has made it very difficult to take care of his family. Even simple tasks became nearly impossible. His story is not unusual, as many Xalibe villagers suffer with treatable medical conditions because they do not have sufficient access to medical care. Last November, CHOICE Humanitarian arranged for Tux, and 30 others like him, to travel 3 hours to the closest medical facility for various treatments.

Tux (left) waiting for his turn.

After a quick procedure, Tux, at the age of 78, finally received his sight back. He was overwhelmed with emotion when he said, "I am so happy to return to my home with sight. I have a deep gratitude in my heart for this opportunity to see again."

Tux with his family.

After the operation.

With the support of CHOICE and companies like Spectrum Health Care, these villagers will never have to wait so long for medical treatment again. They will be able to find relief from their suffering and treatment for their ailments in the new hospital that is being built near their homes. The foundation of the hospital is already in, and once it is complete, villagers will be able receive the treatment they need to live healthy and productive lives.

Hospital foundation

This will have a profound impact on the quality of life for this region of Guatemala. Thank you for supporting these efforts by making medical treatment possible for our friends Guatemala.

Flowing Water

2011-01-14T16:41:00.002-07:00

On November 22, 2010, the village of Chirixquitzac inaugurated its first project, a water system. Hundreds of villagers gathered together to celebrate this thrilling occasion!

James Mayfield, co-founder of CHOICE, cutting the ribbon.

Flowing water.

"Now we have more time to care for our children, study, and care for our crops," said an excited Carmelina Och. A young mother of 5 children, Carmelina can now access water just outside her front door. Carmelina and her children no longer have to wake before dawn to walk 3 miles through the mountains to reach the closest spring. Balancing the water jugs on top of her head was tricky, especially on the steep, muddy paths. It was a dangerous household chore that had to be carried out multiple times a day.

Old water spring.

CHOICE stafff and villagers visit the steep, muddy path to the spring for the last time.

This water project will serve 53 families and almost 300 people. With the overwhelming support of Chirixquitzac, the project was completed ahead of schedule. The villagers express their appreciation to see the fulfillment of a dream made possible by you!

Training Rural Health Workers in Guatemala

2011-01-14T12:47:00.000-07:00

Chirixquitzac Drinks In Your Support!

2010-11-15T14:29:00.000-07:00

Do you remember the story of Marta who slipped in the mud while hiking to get water and suffered a miscarriage? She will soon have running water in her village and will never have to hike to get water again. Isaac recently visited the village of Chirixquitzac to help work on the water project. Here is his story.

For the kids of Chirixquitzac, Guatamala, it was as if the circus had come to town. There was the curiosity of 18 Americans in their midst, but more so, they knew they were on the brink of something big...something that would change their lives forever. The community had decided that, instead of spending countless hours every week hauling water, they wanted it pumped right to their village. Our mission through CHOICE Humanitarian was to help them make that happen.

Chirixquitzac is remote by every definition. It's a 9-hour bus ride from Guatemala and then a 3-mile hike to the village. The people have no choice but to depend on the land for everything they need. Entire families live in one-room shacks, where fires for cooking meals burn around the clock. With so few material possessions to distract them, they focus on each other, sharing and connecting.

We spent our days on the outskirts of Chirixquitzac, digging ditches and breaking through rocks...creating the pathway for the new water pipes. The men of the village worked alongside our group...showing us up with their strength and unfailing work ethic.

As if the water project wasn't reward enough, we found ourselves playing soccer with the boys each night back in the village. We also shared our languages with one another. They taught me some Q'eqchi', I taught them some English.

Before I knew it, my expedition had come to an end and in spite of our hard work, we'd only scratched the surface of what needed to be done. The satisfaction that comes from seeing something through from start to finish wasn't going to come on our watch. So it was with mixed feelings that I prepared to leave.

On our final evening, the circus atmosphere returned. There was music playing and people dancing, hugs and kisses everywhere I turned. But everyone fell silent when a village elder walked to the microphone. He started to talk about what it meant to have perfect strangers come help his community, but he didn't get far before he broke down in tears. Then he and several others signed a document pledging to finish the project on their own. The people of Chirixquitzac are doing that now and expect to have it finished before the year is out. And that's exactly the way it should be. CHOICE Humanitarian's philosophy puts the villagers in charge of their own projects...giving them ownership that creates sustainability.

I thank CHOICE Humanitarian for giving me this life-changing experience. I also want to thank those whose support helps fund projects like the one in Chirixquitzac. I wish you could all see firsthand how your donations change lives for the better. For me, another expedition is in my future. One life-changing experience just isn't enough. Fingers crossed that I can go back to Chirixquitzac and drink water right from the village spigot.

- Isaac Robert Whitesides

A Long Awaited Gift

2010-11-10T16:43:00.000-07:00

photo by Tommy T. Evans

Recently Chalyce Stevens, CHOICE Humanitarian expeditioner, witnessed the ambulance inauguration in Guatemala. Now the surrounding villages, will have greater access to better health care. Here is her story.

It was a quiet morning as we returned from our hike but as we arrived in the village of Nueva Conception we saw hundreds of people dancing to music, buying and selling food, and waiting for a very special event. This was the morning the ambulance was coming.

With the combined efforts of CHOICE Humanitarian and Gold Cross Services in Salt Lake City, this ambulance had been donated for use in this remote and mountainous area in Guatemala-and it was finally arriving. Pregnant women in the villages have to pay $75 USD for transportation to the nearest hospital which prevents them from going. These ambulances will make that trip free.

The longer we waited, the greater the suspense got. Then, suddenly, we heard a faint siren in the background. It got louder and louder and as the people recognized it, they started running towards the sound of the siren and cheering! I admit I got a little emotional watching the villagers' reaction; it was so touching.

There was a short ceremony of speeches and "thank yous" including the Mayor who got up on behalf of the communities and gave gratitude. What a privilege it was for me to be a part of something so wonderful.
-Chalyce Stevens

I had the chance to talk to a few others who got to see this amazing celebration. This is what they had to say.

"I am excited to see the impact of this ambulance and how it will immediately save lives for the people in the Polochic. Many wouldn't travel for a higher level of care when they got very ill due to inadequate funds or transportation. Now they will have immediate access to this kind of transportation. It's also exciting to see the people move towards more advanced medical care."-Tyler Delang

"As I watched the reaction of the people at seeing the ambulance, I noticed one guy in particular. He had this look of sadness, as if he were remembering the past, yet also a look of hope, as if he were seeing the future and the good in it. These people knew it was more than just a vehicle. They understood the importance of it and how it was going to change their lives for the better." -Tommy T. Evans

In the News

2010-10-19T14:06:00.000-06:00

"I Ate Dirt"

and other thoughts on "voluntourism"

"Kristen Larsen reaches for the baby instinctively, stopping to consider her status as a too-tall, too-white stranger only after the child starts quivering and buries his head in his mother's blouse. Mother, a Mayan who makes her home in the lush, green mountains of Guatemala, smells of ground corn and hand patted tortillas. Larsen, a visiting nurse from America, smells of soap and antiseptic."

Thus begins the front page story of the Deseret News on September 12, 2010. This captivating article details a CHOICE expedition in Guatemala, further exploring the benefits of global "voluntourism". Elizabeth Stuart, reporter for the Deseret News, traveled on a service expedition to the Polochic region of eastern Guatemala this past summer with CHOICE Humanitarian and Singular Humanitarian Experience (SHe). She shares her real experiences and true emotions through vivid photographs and brilliant writing. One quote from her article reads, "This is hard. I get burned alive in the heat. It's humid. I ate dirt."

You don't want to miss this! To read the entire article click HERE.

Friends.

2010-08-06T14:47:00.000-06:00

Thank you Singular Humanitarian for this inspiring video of our friends in Guatemala.

My Story.

2010-07-15T13:45:00.004-06:00

I'm Chelsi Smith, Regional Manager with DownEast Outfitters.
DownEast has chosen to work with CHOICE Humanitarian in the village Chirixquitzac in the mountainous Polochic region of Guatemala, helping to build a water system that will bring water directly into villagers' households for the very first time.

Village of Chirixquitzac.

Last month, five DownEast employees - myself included - and one family member made the trek to the Chirixquitzac village, where we had hands-on involvement in breaking ground on the water system's construction. For a week, we rolled up our sleeves and worked alongside the villagers and local CHOICE leaders to dig trenches that will carry precious water. Once completed, the duct system will eliminate the need for villagers to transport water to their homes, often a distance of a half-mile or more.

The trip itself was an incredible experience, with the most arduous travel beginning after we disembarked from the plane in Guatemala City. It required a nine-hour bus ride through steep mountains and over ungraded dirt roads. Then, we began a three-mile hike, carrying our backpacks (with some much-needed assistance from the villagers), to the village itself since it is not accessible by vehicle.

Chelsi with kids.

The Chirixquitzac village is comprised of around 55 households and 250 people, who are actually descendants of Mayan Indians and speak a Mayan language known as Q'eqchi'. CHOICE translators were required for communication, and to ensure we understood village customs and beliefs. It was a physically challenging but inspiring week, filled with lots of hard physical work as well as time spent learning about the fascinating Chirixquitzac history and culture. We also reserved some time for fun, bringing toys and playing games with the village children. As a group, we felt very honored to be there, especially since outsiders have not visited the area in 13 years!

Chirixquitzac family.

Choice Humanitarian's philosophy is that corporate partners work with villages over a time span of three to five years, after which the native people should be able to sustain the programs. Importantly, the villagers identify their areas of greatest need, help raise money and are in charge of their own projects, giving them ownership in their community's development.

It is anticipated that running water will be in every home in the Chirixquitzac village within two to three months! Beyond that, DownEast anticipates that its work with the village will continue and extend to other vital projects. As part of this, more expeditions will be planned. We invite DownEast friends and customers to join us in future trips.

I know I've come away from my adventure with a raised global awareness and new appreciation for the basics of life that so many of us take for granted. Let's work together to end poverty and improve quality of life for everyone!

Best,

Chelsi

Edgar Armando shares his story...

2010-06-25T13:39:00.001-06:00

"My name is Edgar. I am 16 years old and currently in the fifth grade at Xalibe elementary school. I was one of the very first students to graduate from this newly constructed school built with Spectrum's support."

But there was a problem.
"I wanted to continue my education past elementary school but the nearest secondary school was many hours away and too far to travel by foot. My parents do not have the money to send me outside the community to study. An elementary education may be all I ever get even though I desperately want to continue my education."

CHOICE suporters provided the solution.

"Thanks to your support, I will be attending a brand new secondary school in Sajomte right by my home in Xalibe. I am so excited because I will be able to continue my education - something I thought would be impossible just a short time ago. I’m happy to know that there are people far away that care so much about me."

"Thank you for giving me the opportunity to succeed."

Edgar is ready to begin middle school. Thanks to the on-going generosity of our supporters such as Spectrum Health employees, many lives have been changed. Thank you!

Chirixquitzac Women Want More!

2010-06-25T13:35:00.000-06:00

It’s amazing how quickly communities progress once they realize they have the power and ability to reach their goals. Thanks to the help of our supporters there are currently 50 women in Chirixquitzac attending literacy classes. Education is one way to expand their vision of what is possible and now they want more!

Second from left, Delia Ical (CHOICE Staff) standing next to a home garden.

Responding to their excitement we have initiated a family garden program. They will be learning how to grow small gardens to improve family nutrition. This will also reduce the high cost of purchasing fruits and vegetables from the market. This program will eventually expand to include livestock, orchards and crop diversification.

Thank you to all of you, especially DownEast Outfitters, who have “seeded" the vision for a better future. Your support makes it possible for CHOICE to bring this type of program to Chirixquitzac.

Ambulances to the Rescue!

2010-06-15T12:29:00.000-06:00

The Gold Cross has donated two ambulances to CHOICE Humanitarian which will be sent to the Polochic Valley of Guatemala.

Yesterday the keys were officially handed off and the ambulances will begin their 3000 mile journey latter this week. In Guatemala the villages CHOICE serves are in desperate need of these ambulances which will save lives in emergency situations. Currently pregnant women have to pay $75 USD for basic transportation to the nearest hospital which prevents them from going. These ambulances will make that trip free. People are dying because they don't have access to the hospital a couple hours away, but these ambulances will change all that. We are all thrilled by this donation and thank Gold Cross for working with us to make this happen!

Click here for the Deseret News Article

The FIRST EVER secondary school is now open

2010-05-17T13:19:00.003-06:00

At last, children and adults can extend their education beyond elementary school in this new three-room schoolhouse. Last month, villagers gathered to celebrate this exciting event with cultural music, inspiring speeches, and a ceremonious "cutting of the ribbon". The school is equipped with an audiovisual room, multiple typewriters, and a library able to hold 5,000 books! This is unheard of in this area.

The district supervisor of education, Professor Oscar Garcias Humbler, shared the following during the celebration: "At our first meeting, I remember telling you that if we planted the seed we would one day be able to collect the harvest. Well, I am pleased to announce that the day has come to collect our harvest!"

This school will change the lives of hundreds of villagers and all future generations to come. It will serve numerous surrounding villages and those hoping to enhance their education. Several students have expressed their commitment to walk or bike long distances each day just to attend their new school.

We thank CHOICE donors, Singular Humanitarian, the Guatemalan government, LDSC, Spectrum Health, the CHOICE villagers and all others who helped to make this possible.

WAIT - IT'S NOT OVER! Please click HERE to watch a short video of the inauguration. Listen to what one student has to say about their new school and watch as students enter their new classroom for the first time. Be sure to turn the captions on by clicking the "CC" at the botton of the video.

Xalibe is breathing a little bit easier these days.

2010-05-17T13:18:00.000-06:00

Romelia, like the rest of Xalibe, has always cooked for her family over an open fire in her home. With no ventilation, billows of smoke filled the small kitchen stinging the eyes and lungs of her family. The cooking fire located near the floor was within arm's reach of small children learning to walk as well as the hem of her skirt as she made her way around the small kitchen. Severe burns from traditional cooking fires are not unusual nor are the constant respiratory problems that plague Xalibe families.

Romelia in her kitchen with her new stove.

Thanks to Spectrum Health, a company who supports this village, Romelia and other Xalibe villagers are now using O'Neil stoves which safely contains the fire and ventilates the harmful smoke out of the home. Romelia thinks her, "stove is magnificent. Now we can see. We don't have so much smoke in our kitchen and throughout the house. Also, my children do not have any more lung problems."

The use of the stove also eliminates the use of fire wood by 70% reducing the impact on the environment and the need to gather wood daily. Romelia wants to tell Spectrum Health, "Thank you for the stove because my children's coughs are gone now and there is no more smoke."

It is amazing how something as simple as a stove can dramatically change the lives of our friends in Xalibe. Thank you so much for your support and for removing the harmful smoke out of Xalibe kitchens.

Build New Friendships. Come to Guatemala!

2010-03-18T15:33:00.004-06:00

Looking for a thrilling adventure and a meaningful experience this summer? We have just what you are looking for! Join CHOICE Humanitarian in Guatemala and work hand-in-hand with native villagers for an entire week.

The picturesque nation of Guatemala bridges Mexico with all other Central American countries. While quaint in geographical size, the native people radiate a happiness that is larger than life. CHOICE expeditions focus on the indigenous Q'eqchi' communities of the pleasant Polochic region, amidst the breathtaking cloud forest of the Alta Verapaz state.

PACK YOUR BAGS! The next CHOICE expedition to Guatemala will begin on June 12th, 2010! Sign up now and join CHOICE Humanitarian in building people, not just projects. Contact Wade Alexander at walexander@choicehumanitarian.org or 801-474-1937 for more information.

The Gift of Water!

2010-02-16T15:57:00.017-07:00

The village of Chirixquitzac has chosen a water system to be their first priority and project to pursue. It is hard to imagine the challenges villagers must endure each day just to collect water for their homes and families. Below is a short, powerful video with Marta Alicia illustrating how a water system will dramatically change all of their lives.

(If you cannot see the translated captions at the
bottom of the video follow the directions below.)

Thank you for your support and for DownEast for bringing water to the village of Chirixquitzac!

If you cannot see the translated captions, look for the grey arrow in the lower right hand corner of the video.

When you scroll over the top of it a CC button will pop up. Click on the CC button to turn on the captions. You may need to play the video before the CC button will show up.

Corporate Partner DownEast will help bring water to Chirixquitzac!

2010-01-15T11:08:00.005-07:00

Imagin a life where you only have to walk a few feet for reliable water whenever you need it. This is not hard for us to imagine but is the dream of the villagers in Chirixquitzac.

Everyday the 53 families of Chirixquitzac spend between 40 to 60 minutes collecting the water they need for their families. The children and women carry 10-liter jars on their heads to transport the water from the spring to their homes 4 to 5 times a day.

The community knows there is always a possibility the spring could dry up resulting in the need to walk 2 hours to the next closest spring. Because of this, the community has taken great care of the spring and the surrounding forest to prevent this from hapening. They have even instituted a reforestation program. Despite these efforts to keep the spring healthy, wild animals still pollute the water making it non-potable and it is a challenge to keep up with the need for water in each home.

Because of this, the village of Chirixquitzac has decided that a water system is their first priority and they are working diligently towards this goal. They are saveing the income generated from their pig buisness (started with DownEast funds). From what they have learned from the pig business they are now implamenting other ways to bring in income. This village participation is critical in the leadership building and creates necesary comitment to the project. Despite their diligent efforts, they are far from saving the necesary funds to complete the water system. This is where you come in. The funds DownEast has donated will make up the difference and provide the needed training and direction to manage the project.

The building of the water system is scheduled to begin March 2010. Thank you DownEast for your generous support. Thank you for making a difference.

The future of Xalibe is looking even brighter!

2009-12-14T10:28:00.005-07:00

Construction of the nearby secondary school in Sajonte is near completion. One Xalibe villager is now excited and eager to continue her education.

Leticia Margarita Choc Coc (woman on left) dreams of becoming a teacher. Along with other determined girls in Xalibe, Leticia has just completed her elementary school education. However, subsequent academic options have been non-existent until the recent construction of a secondary school in Sajonte.

Thanks to the support of Spectrum, women like Leticia can at last pursue an advanced education and create an everlasting ripple effect in the local villages. According to Leticia, "Having a secondary school so close to home makes such a difference. I can now study without having to leave my family."

Women are Changing their Future.

2009-12-14T10:21:00.007-07:00

Imagine needing a loan to start a small business but you cannot get one, not because you are ineligible but because there are no banks! Such has been the challenge to villagers of Chirixquitzac, though the situation is changing at last.

The women of Chirixquitzac have now started a savings box program with the help of CHOICE Humanitarian and YOU. Under the direction of native CHOICE staff, 50 women have joined together to form a special banking committee in the village. Equipped with an official chairman and treasurer, the "bank" will encourage women to save their funds and allow the opportunity to borrow money to begin microfinance projects. The women then repay the loan with interest, providing further resources for future loans and small business ideas. As of the end of November's almost $500 has been allocated to the savings box program.

In Chirixquitzac, the savings box program is a vital step in the path toward self-development. Women now have a greater voice in the village due to increased control over some of the financial resources. Through small business opportunities, these women are also encouraged to be creative with their entrepreneurial spirits!

The 3 to 5 year development process for Chirixquitzac is moving right along! Soon the villagers will be prepared for even bigger projects. We thank DownEast for granting this village the chance to become self-sustainable! Long-term development is now a work in progress...not just a dream.

Los Limones Celebrates Water!

2009-12-14T10:10:00.013-07:00

October 20th marked the inauguration of the Los Limones water system! The entire village gathered to celebrate the completion of this significant project.

The local mayor, in attendance with other municipal officials, expressed his sincere gratitude for all those who worked on this much needed water system. Special thanks was extended to Singular Humanitarian for their example of sacrifice and dedication. After all, this was not a simple project. Numerous volunteers worked extensive hours in the rain to remove large rocks and transport heavy construction materials to and from the remote spring.

With joyful smiles, the villagers held a 2-day celebration, expressing thanks to God through song and various demonstrations of faith. You can imagine the rejoicing at having having water at last - such a basic necessity of life. For the first time in the existence of Los Limones, mothers and fathers can now walk outside their homes and find reliable water to both cook and clean with.
We thank the volunteers of Singular Humanitarian for giving of themselves to bring about this life-changing project. Together we have made a difference.

How are pigs feet helping the villages of Guatemala?

2009-11-03T10:53:00.000-07:00

"Where am I going to find 20 - 25 pigs feet in two days?" laughed Jorge Chen, Guatemala Country Director, at the request of Dr. Tyler DeLange. On the recent "Singular Humanitarian" expedition Dr. DeLange and other medical professionals spent their week teaching basic health care to the local Rural Health Promoters and Midwives in the Polochic Valley. Jorge provided enough pig's feet for the 40-45 villagers attending the classes to practice suturing on something that closely resembles the actual skin of a human patient. They learned about sterilization and even got to practice giving anesthesia injections. Even the women were eager to try stitching the wounds on their little pig patients. "They did incredibly well. Through this experience, and the tools we gave them, they are now prepared to suture real patients with minor lacerations," stated Dr. DeLange. In addition to the educational materials received, the students were encouraged to meet weekly to review what they had learned. Since the conclusion of the expedition the villagers have continued to meet weekly and are taking advantage of the opportunity to learn from each other and solidify their new knowledge.

Such health care training helps develop these rural communities in many ways. It is providing better access to sustainable medical care within the communities. In turn, villagers are learning how knowledge creates increased opportunity - which ultimately liberates people from poverty.

Salac Health Post Progress

2009-09-23T10:43:00.007-06:00

Currently the community of Salac has to walk 2 hours to get to the closest health clinic and this can only be done for part of the year. During the winter months the 4 rivers they have to cross get too large and dangerous to traverse and so there is no access to health care at all during this time.

We are excited to show you some updated photos of the health post in Salac that the Singular Humanitarian group helped to build on their expedition in August 09. Jorge reports it is 50% complete and should be done by mid October. This health post will serve over 160 families.

This health post is the result of many people coming together to accomplish something great which will benefit generations to come and inspire greater visions for the future.

Guatemala recieves the largest expedition in CHOICE History!

2009-09-04T15:18:00.013-06:00

In August 2009, a group of 88 expeditioners from the Singular Humanitarian group and 6 leaders traveled to the Polochic Valley for a week long expedition. This is the largest group we have ever hosted. Because of the size of the group we were able to work in many different villages and provide many different services.

The group worked on a water project in Los Limones. They are one of the newest CHOICE villages and although they have a spring nearby, they have no way to catch the water so it can be constantly available to all the villagers. We helped them clear a space for the water storage tank.

The second project was to help build the first secondary school and Library in the whole Polochic Valley! Once built it will serve all the neighboring villages and they will finally have the opportunity to get a secondary education. This is huge! This school will signifigantly increase the opportunities for all the villagers.
In La Laguna we began to build a small kitchen facility for the school. The children who attend school are given lunch which is key to their over all health. They need a clean space to prepare the meals so the children stay healthy.

The last project we worked on was a health clinic in Selac. This will significantly improve the health of the community by providing a local location to receive medical assistance. The group also provided medical and dental services as well as other trianing at the communitie's request.

We were able to help with the physical tasks but more imoprtantly we created a connection and frindship between the expeditioners and the villagers. Many tears were shed as we said our goodbyes with hopes for a quick reunion. Thank you Singular Humanitarian.

Sepamac Memorial School: a symbol of love and learning

2009-06-17T10:30:00.012-06:00

This school was built by a community of friends: Focus Services, LDS Humanitarian Services, Municipality of Senahú, Alta Verapaz and CHOICE Humanitarian and is dedicated to the sacrifice of the survivors and those who passed away during the 2008 plane crash. The school is named after Javier and Walfred Rabanales in memory of and gratitude for their tireless service to the community.

After two days of cultural, sporting and religious activities the Rabanales memorial school was opened in the community of Sepamac.

The community placed a commemorative plaque on the school that reads:

In gratitude and in memory of the CHOICE Humanitarian Family members and survivors who died tragically in August 2008 who fought hard to serve the poor communities. They should know they left many grateful hearts behind that some day will join them to say thank you friends.

It then lists everyone by name who was on the expedition meant to build this school.

What a beautiful tribute to these amazing souls. Their goodwill and service will always be remembered here.

The completion of this school is an amazing example of what makes CHOICE so successful in its mission to help these communities. The villagers completed the school on their own and with the new skills learned, are ready to make their next dream possible.

A Dream about to be realized!

2009-05-20T10:18:00.003-06:00

On May 16, 2009 began the realization of a dream! The people of Chulac and the neighboring communities held the inauguration ceremony for the ground breaking of their new Secondary School (El Insituto Basico de Chulac). This school is the FIRST secondary school in the area and is a very significant achievement.

This school has been the dream of the professors who serve the area and, unfortunately, the government has not been able to provide funding. The construction of this school will be supervised by CHOICE with the help of many other partners that have since 'come to the plate' to lend their support.

Principal support for this school is coming from a group of LDS Singles who call themselves Singular Humanitarian. They are coming from all over the USA and are working in conjunction with CHOICE. They have formed an expedition of 100+ and will be traveling to Guatemala in August to help with the construction.

CHOICE thanks Singular and other partners that are coming on board to practice the CHOICE model of development. CHOICE projects are village driven and are a means to develop leadership within the communitites. These leaders learn valuable lessons and are taught how to network, how to solicit other support, and how to organize their communities. Together, they are working on an 'action plan' that will oversee and coordinate everyone's efforts.

We will try to keep this blog updated as the progress of the school continues. Please click here to donate to this incredible effort. This school is a tremendous undertaking and we need all of your support to make it happen.

Expedition to Chimaxyat

2009-05-14T17:14:00.009-06:00

A CHOICE expedition recently returned from one of our most remote villages in Guatemala, Chimaxyat. This expedition was in partnership with Beneficial Financial Group and was marketed as an incentive trip for the company's top sales executives.

Beneficial Financial is part of our CVP (Corporate Village Partnership) Program and has partnered with CHOICE in support of this village. The CVP Program has been very successful. Corporate partners provide on going and consistent funding for the village while community leaders learn and practice CHOICE methodology.

The CHOICE MODEL is one of sustainability and teaches community leaders to problem solve and act on sustainable solutions to their development needs. These villages eventually become self-developing...a process that usually takes about 3 years.

Click here to see a video from KSL-TV describing their adventure. There was a printed news story as well written up in the Deseret News with more information.

Congratulations to Jorge and Martha Chen, New In Country Directors for CHOICE in Guatemala, for planning and supervising such a successful expedition and THANK YOU to Beneficial Financial for your on going support of CHOICE and the community of Chimaxyat.

Why Education?

2009-04-20T11:51:00.003-06:00

Jorge Chen, CHOICE Humanitarian In-Country Director, on why education matters.

Spectrum Health Care Visits Xalibe...

2009-03-10T11:50:00.039-06:00

A few employees from Spectrum Health Care of Canada just returned from their expedition to Xalibe. Projects were finished, hearts were touched, and memories were created that won't soon be forgotten.

Washbasins (pilas) were installed in every home! The pilas will make a huge difference in every household. Watch Jorge Chen, CHOICE'S in-country director for Guatemala, share just how much of a difference the pilas make... click here to watch our video at Change.org - our fundraising site.
Installed solar panels on the school, allowing 3 hours of light in the evening for adult literacy education.

From the words of Robert Sokolich, a Spectrum Health Care employee on the expedition:

I saw a child walking barefoot in the rain. I saw a child with a jug of water on his head, walking up a muddy hill. I saw a child walking for miles, barefoot, in the rain and mud, to get food. I saw a child carrying a 60lb. bag of sand on his back, barefoot, in the rain. I saw a child sleeping on a plank of wood in a little bamboo shack. I saw a baby sleeping in a sack, hanging on a rope. I saw a child washing clothes on a piece of rock. I saw a child caring for an even younger child. I saw a child doing things that only an adult "should" do, but still, I saw that same child SMILE!

2009-01-27T10:45:00.000-07:00

Memorial Expedition Returns

The memorial expedition to Sepamac, December 22 - 30, 2008, honoring those that lost their lives heading there last August 2008, was an occasion never to be forgotten.

Trees were planted honoring each of the people that died.

"In Sepamac we planted 9 pine trees around the school that was going to be built. The trees were planted very strategically to create a little grove. Eventually it will become a place of meditation within the grove. Walfred and Javier will remain present in the minds of the villagers, as they care for the trees and watch them grow; the villagers will remember the example they set. The tree that represents Javier is in the middle, and to the side is the tree that represents Walfred, to the other side is the tree that represents Miss Johnson. All the trees form a square, with Javier's tree in the middle... very symbolic of Javier."
(Santiago - CHOICE field staff)"When the trees were planted we all could feel a very strong spirit, something very special that made everyone cry. There is something very interesting that happened when the trees were planted... all of us and the community feel that those honored this day will be the ones taking care of these trees."
(Martha Chen - CHOICE field director)

"Like my wife has said, it was a sweet spirit, lots of peace and tranquility. The leaders in the community all participated and every one of them was there. There were more than 300 people and the expeditioners were very moved for the humility and generosity of the villagers. The love was very simply present and everyone was moved."
(Jorge Chen - CHOICE field director)
During this expedition, trees were planted, work was done on the school, garden plots were cleared, and dry latrines were built... but far and above the work that was accomplished, was the camaraderie and fun had by all. Hearts were touched and friendships forged.

2008-11-25T20:14:00.000-07:00

Jorge and Martha Chen

There couldn't be two people that would be able to follow Walfred and Javier better than Jorge and Martha. While interviewing for the new ICD's (In Country Directors) for Guatemala, CHOICE was deeply affected by the Chen's sincere, humble, and genuine way. In addition to Spanish, Jorge speaks Q'eqchi', and Martha speaks fluent English. Jorge was born in Coban, Alta Verapaz and Martha was born in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. CHOICE Humanitarian welcomes Jorge and Martha and have full confidence that through their ability and ample desire to make a lasting difference in their country . . . many good things are on the horizon.

In their own words:

Martha shares her vision:
"That the women in the Polochic communities will have the opportunity to develop their leadership, elevate their self-esteem and to be able to care for their own health and that of their families."

Jorge's vision:
"My vision for the Polochic people is to see communities with self-sustainable development, surpassing their extreme poverty, and their health and education deficiencies with basic pillars for a promising future."

2008-10-31T19:43:00.000-06:00

Guatemala will forever be changed . . .

Walfred and Javier (former CHOICE field directors in Guatemala) . . . you are missed, though the impact you have left on each of us lives on.

Though they never made it back to the village of Sepamac, their influence persists. The school is close to being completed in record time and the next projects are already taking shape. The work continues.

Our hearts and hands go out to all that have been touched by this tragedy and to the survivors in their recovery. May we all move forward in the great cause of ending poverty.

2008-10-31T15:19:00.000-06:00

Spectrum Healthcare and Xalibe

Spectrum Healthcare of Canada and Xalibe have teamed up in a Corporate Village Partnership and good things are happening. The number of children enrolled in school has gone from 22 to 60 because they can stay in their own village as they now have 2 teachers whose salaries are paid by the funds coming from Spectrum. Xalipe has been able to complete their initial stock for their health post, which has been a huge need. Spectrum is making a difference in the lives of the the villagers of Xalipe; with the help Xalipe is receiving, they will be well on the road to self-development by the end of 2009.

2008-07-21T10:20:00.000-06:00

We just got this great news from Sanitago in

Guatemala

“Ultimo quiero informarle que tube una gran oportunidad de compartir mi experiencia como lider comunitario a un grupo de estudiantes de la universidad mariano galvez, por el cual fui invitado especial, para mi me llena de mucha satisfaccion de haber hecho. Los estudiantes quedaron muy agradesidos y satisfechos por la experiencia compartida.” -Santiago

My best translation…

"Finally, I want to tell you that I had a great opportunity to share my experience as a community leader to a group of students from the University Marian Galvez. It was a very special invitation for me and fills me with great satisfaction for having done it. The students were very nice and satisfied by the shared experience."

Javier and Walfred are in a social work class at the University Marian Galvez which focuses on building Guatemala. No one in the class, including the instructor, has any experience with leadership and capacity building: how to build it, what it looks like, or how you recognize or measure it. As part of an assignment Walfred did a profile on natural leaders which included a section on Santiago. Everyone was so impressed that they invited Santiago to come and speak to the class as someone who had real practical experience with leadership and capacity building. Santiago was so excited about the opportunity to share his knowledge with those who will go forward to build Guatemala.

2008-06-30T18:17:00.000-06:00

From CHOICE Field Director, Chris Johnson:

"Hispanics in Philanthropy (HIP) plans to request proposals in Guatemala for funding economic development projects with impoverished villages. Javier and Walfred will be consulting closely with Juan (CHOICE Mexico Director and winner of their first ever grant for community development) on how to present a proposal that will win this grant.

I was really impressed with our newer staff members, Santiago and Delia. They are what we would call an RDF (Rural Development Facilitator) and RDFs in the villages are proving to be extraordinary in their ability to work with the villages and fully embrace the CHOICE Self-Developing Village model. Their impact is becoming very obvious in the area as these villages move forward in their vision.

The first set of 8 villages in the Senahu municipality are due to complete their “Self-Development” training with CHOICE within the next 12 months. These will be the first officially “graduated” villages under the new model in the country and will stand as important models for other villages and future potential funders to CHOICE."

Guatemala's operations are the youngest in the CHOICE family, so this is an exciting milestone for everyone. While they may be the newest, they are also the most innovative when it comes to understanding and developing leadership. It is important to note that the rate at which the villages are able to graduate is dependent on the available funding. If funding is scarce, that graduation point may be later.

On a more personal level, Javier and Walfred (Guatemala Country Directors) have been taking university courses in sustainable development, leadership, community mobilization and in the Kekchi Language training for the past several years. They will be both completing their work within this year gaining bachelors degrees in social work and community development. This speaks to their thirst for learning and commitment to improving their ability to implement the CHOICE model in Guatemala. We are proud to have them as our team and leading our way in Guatemala!

2007-10-03T17:08:00.001-06:00

Some Success Stories...

Xalibe
Javier's comment on the successful village of Xalibe: "For us, The community of Xalibe is a great example of cooperation and unity. They all worked very hard to finish the construction of the school and clinic and now, they have been working on the legal papers to establish the school before the government. All is going well."

Javier shared with us what the Women of Xalibe have done with their Savings Box. Apparently Lori Lord from Spectrum, when she was down there, contributed 600 Q to the their Savings Box. Well, since that time the women decided to use the money to begin a community enterprise of raising and selling chickens. This income generating endeavor has been very successful and they have more than doubled the 600 Q. Javier would like us to assist all the Savings Box Programs in a similar fashion. Instead of merely 'saving' the money, you invest the money in small income generating projects that help the women supplement their family income and give them good sense of self worth.

Mandarin Cooperative
"One story that has made us feel pretty good, was to be able to support the directors meeting of the Mandarin Cooperative. CHOICE made the contact and we took them (the village committee) to the meeting here in the capitol and met with one of the principle buyers of mandarin oranges at the Guatemala City market. An agreement was reached that will start with 2 truck loads of Mandarins for this years harvest in October. We're hoping this project wll help them sell much more of their harvest in the coming months."
Meeting with the Mandarin Cooperative...

2007-10-03T17:07:00.000-06:00

Conference Call with Javier 9.19.2007

Javier noted a lot less expeditions this year…He wished there had been more. He likes utilizing this mechanism as a tool to develop the village.
But...
Javier and Santiago are planning to do a Home Improvement Project in Sepamac for the November expedition and for December, the plan is a Community Water System for the village of Sajonte.

An update of some current projects in Gautemala
-School classroom construction in Seokoc is 35% complete

-Mini Health Post in Xalibe is complete and was inaugurated July 23.

-CHOICE Center in La Laguna is complete and was inaugurated June 10.

-Community Water Project in Nueva Concepcion is 85% complete.

-Savings Box Program in Sepamac has organized 2 groups of women.

-School Construction in Chimaxiat is being planned for a future expedition.

-School Construction in La Laguna Sajonte is 80% complete and just needs a roof.

Javier says "We're going ahead with all of our plans, the only thing we need more of, obviously, is money! But we understand the situation and we will be waiting patiently."

2007-10-01T11:51:00.000-06:00

Success in Guatemala...

Literacy Classes
There is a big success story with the adult literacy classes. There are 60 women in Sepamac who have signed up for the class. They will divide themselves into two groups of 30 each. The women are very organized and very excited about the opportunity to learn basic reading and writing skills. Javier commented that the empowerment that will result from this will be evident in subsequent generations as the women in turn, teach their young children. Soon a whole generation of literate, educated villagers will be the norm in these communities where, up until now, had the lowest literacy rates in all of Guatemala. In Guatemala, the focus and head of the family is really the mother and Javier noted that this is true in all of the country...the mothers have such a positive influence on the development of their children and it is by their example that their children will learn the tools they need as adults to break the cycle of poverty.

Savings Box Program in Sepamac
The women of Sepamac are very enthusiastic and have organized themselves into 7 groups. There are 210 women who would like to participate in the savings box program. Javier commented on the wonder of this program and how for such little effort/money, it pays off in so many other dividends. He is very excited about the program and these groups and what they have been able to accomplish completely on their own.

Women's group in Seococ
The women's group in Seococ has established a savings box program and now have ventured into a small business. With the help of the Spectrum group and some of the their savings, they have purchased 25 chickens. They have feed and will raise the chickens to sell. This business will augment their income...

2007-10-01T11:43:00.000-06:00

Notes from a conference call with Javier on 9.26.2007

Javier talked about the upcoming December expeditions. The plan, so far, is for one group to work on a water project in Sajonte. Another will be completing a water project in Xalibe and then working on a Dental/Gynecological Training Center.

A current project in Senahu is the Health Center Training:
-This is a project that ultimately will train all the village health workers and midwives within the entire municipal area of Senahu. This training is in conjunction with the local health authorities who lack the resources to accomplish this training. They have the trainers but they lack the funds needed to accommodate approx. 100 people (70 village health workers and 30 midwives). This will have a major impact on the communities. It will also train the health workers to keep and maintain badly needed individual health records of the villagers that will be used to measure the impact of a variety of health projects, i.e. water and sanitation projects currently under way.

P.S. Manuel is very grateful for all of the donations which helped to repair his motorcycle.

2007-09-21T10:30:00.000-06:00

2007-03-27T17:11:00.000-06:00

First Female Village Leader Hired in Guatemala –

Delia Ical joins the CHOICE Guatemala team –

A local school teacher, highly educated and a natural leader, Delia is officially hired on and will be working with the villages in the Chulac region. On our recent conference call, our in-country director, Javier gushed about the success Delia is having and how unique she is,

“Delia has no fear, she is even willing to drive pick-up trucks.”

(seen here in the very middle, with the yellow and black plaid skirt)

For those that have spent time in remote, rural Latin America – you know how uncommon it is for a woman to both be able and/or willing to learn to drive.

Delia is unique because she is educated and has a natural tendency towards working with people. While she is only in her mid-20’s, villagers of all ages respect her and turn to her for guidance.

She is currently working with the various savings box programs (one in Seokoc seen here), in fact there are so many started, she has them scheduled each day a week. She also continues to teach school, has started additional literacy classes for adults and will begin a nutritional education program – teaching the women how to prepare foods that will add to their diet. We anticipate great things to come from Delia and the women of the Polochic!

2006-12-13T12:02:00.000-07:00

Womens' micro-enterprise group making amazing change!

In January 2006, the first womens' micro-enterprise group was started in Sajonte, Guatemala. Within only 10 short months - the women have sold hundreds of woven bags, bringing much needed income into their families. And one of the first opportunities to connect to outside markets.

They are also making new designs on their bags - as seen here. This area is known for their unique pattern. And throughout other parts of Guatemala, you can recognize people from this region, based on the handwoven pattern.

The most exciting news is that with the help of a CHOICE community member, Mark Jones, they now have sewing machines and a loom. They are branching out to new textiles and designs.
(CHOICE In-country director, Javier Rabanales and local leader, Santiago Ical present the sewing machines to Sajonte and the womens' co-op)

There is amazing momentum around this group of women, we can't wait to see what is next.

(Guatemalan woman exhibits how to use the new co-op loom, making cloth to be used for various micro-enterprise projects to be sold in-country and in the US).

2006-12-13T10:12:00.000-07:00

Eagle Scout Connects Neighborhood to Remote Villages in Guatemala -

CHOICE looks to end poverty by creating very personal and real partnerships between people here and villagers looking to change their lives.

Recently, a boy scout in Alpine, Utah was the catalyst for one of these very partnerships. Tyler Winger organized 14 of his fellow scouts and hit the pavement, talking to 200 neighborhood families about how they can help a remote village in Guatemala.

As part of his Eagle Scout Project, Tyler gathered both educational materials and funds to be given to a school in Nueva Concepcion, Guatemala. The response was overwhelming, and the scouts ended up with over 120 pounds of supplies and $2000!

For Thanksgiving, Tyler and a group of expeditioners ventured to Guatemala to deliver the supplies (seen above giving to the one of the teachers of the school at Sajonte). Because of the generous donations of the Alpine neighborhood, they were actually able to help 4 villages and install a solar light system for a school.

Solar light may seem an unusual project (seen here as they install at the school), but it is a huge breakthrough for this region, where electricity is inaccessible. As a result of this system, the school will be able to hold adult literacy classes at night - literacy rates among men and women are extremely low, less than 10%. They will also be able to hold community events and meetings for development.

Through Tyler and his charitable neighbors, thousands of lives have been changed in a remote region of Guatemala!

2006-11-21T17:36:00.000-07:00

Conference call today with Javier and Walfred:

All is progressing nicely!
We got updates on all of CHOICE projects in
Guatemala and an updated "top ten" list that show
us where the focus is and some of their most urgent
priorities. We talked a lot about Santiago and his
emergence into a solid, quality RDF (Rural
Development Facilitator).

CHOICE will support
Santiago now as he travels to Senahu once a month
to attend Development meetings and to represent
CHOICE in the villages that we are working in. This is
critical in the further development of Santiago as he
learns to interact with other NGO's and also other
Government agencies. Javier is hoping to develop
Santiago into an exceptional voice and leader for his
people.

We discussed all of the upcoming expeditions,
projects and villages that we will focus on in the
coming months. We talked a lot about the soon to
be CHOICE CENTER that will be built near La Laguna
Sajonte. This will be an invaluable asset to CHOICE
in the area and will give us a permanent presence in
Chulac. We hope to breakground on this structure
with the arrival of the December Expedition.

2006-05-17T20:29:00.000-06:00

CHOICE Meets with First Lady of Guatemala...

Chris Johnson, Director of Field Operations:

"I just had a great trip to Las Vegas yesterday. I was able to spend the day with Linda Phillips and visit with a number of other people that she and Angie Wallin arranged for us.
Here is a quick summary of the most important connections made yesterday:

First Lady Wendy de Berger:
The luncheon was fairly intimate... We were able to get a few moments with the First Lady and we managed to shake hands, pass gifts and quickly explain what CHOICE was doing in Guatemala. She was very responsive and immediately suggested that we work together. Our philosophies of helping the poor are very much in alignment.

Sylvia Garcia Bellamy:
Probably the most important and fortunate thing that happened all day was that the director of “Amigos de la Escuela”, the First Lady’s most important program, ended up sitting right next to me during lunch. We had a wonderful conversation and she was so excited to work with CHOICE that she requested Javier’s phone number and promised to call him and set up a meeting as soon as she returned to Guatemala. Sylvia invited us to visit her any time we were in the country. "

First Lady de Berger's belief is that women are the "axis of change" in their communities. A belief that we share. There are several initiatives that we are looking to work together on to strengthen the women and children of the communities in the Polochic, and in turn change the villages.

We presented her with a framed photo of Javier and a child collecting water from a newly completed water tap. The frame was etched with the CHOICE Humanitarian logo. Addressing the connection to women, we also gave her a beautiful hand-embroidered pashmina from Nepal, representating a new micro-credit project done by the women in villages where CHOICE works.
Photo credit: USAID/Liliana GilCaption: First Lady Wendy de Berger (third from left, rear) discussed social and economic development with Guatemala’s representatives to the Global Summit for Women.

2006-04-26T11:42:00.000-06:00

April 26, 2006 Conference call with Javier

In a recent conference call with Javier, the in-country director of Guatemala, many different topics were discussed.

Brooke and Brady Ewing, CHOICE in-country interns, are conducting a survey of the various villages CHOICE is working in to determine the levels of education and overall living conditions for each family in the villages. The survey is going well, and they have adapted the survey to narrow its focus and get the best results. With the data they collect, CHOICE will have a better idea of the literacy rates and education levels in the village. Javier noticed that the villagers are realizing how important it is for them to be able to read and write. They see their need and are trying to improve their situation. One of the ways they are trying to improve is through the expansion of schools so more people have access to education.

Many expeditions are going to Guatemala in the coming months and projects were discussed for these trips. Javier mentioned that he is going to try to partner with an organization that focuses on education so together they can improve literacy rates and overall general education in the villages.

Check out our website at www.choicehumanitarian.org for more information on expeditions to Guatemala, and other locations. You can also email Diane, the Director of Expeditions, at dwinger@choicehumanitarian.org.

2006-03-19T13:26:00.000-07:00

3.16.05

Conference Call with Javier Rabanales, In-Country Director
(original conversation in Spanish, translated to English)

Javier is very excited to have Juan Alducin, In-Country Director for Mexico, visiting Guatemala - he and Javier are doing cross-learning and tightening the development strategy for Guatemala. Javier is very interested to learn more about some of the programs Juan has implemented in Mexico, i.e. Lorena stoves, greenhouses, family gardens, savings box programs, micro-enterpirse, etc.

Michelle Inkley, a PhD trained demographer is also on the ground, helping to train our new in-country interns, Brooke and Brady Ewing. They will be conducting field evaluations of CHOICE projects. They are also collecting base line data, so that we can measure the improvements over time and track the changes happening.

Updates on projects in the villages:

La Laguna: The health clinic is 90% completed, the upcoming expedition will help put the roof on and paint the exterior and interior.

Sajonte: The community water system is also 90% completed, they are just running connections out to each home.

Xalibe: The water sytem is completed, and with a little input from Santiago (community leader from La Laguna), the villagers have improved the mountain pathways in the village. In the rainy season, which begins next month, the pathways become impassable due to mud and slick conditions. The villagers will now start improvements to their homes, each helping work on each others' homes. Proposals for finishing and improving a mini-health post.

A couple of the upcoming projects he is looking at:

- A Birthing Center in Senahu, the municipal head. He has been approached the local ministry of health to help with this project. Midwives bring women with high risk pregnancies or complications in labor to the birthing center to be seen by local physicians. He is sending a bugdet shortly.

- Literacy program for Seococ, Xalibe, Sillab and - Javier has received a request from the National Literacy Committee for help in rolling out a literacy program, they are looking to CHOICE to help enlarge the program and spread it to additional villages. Currently, two CHOICE villages have been participating with quite a bit of success (La Laguna and Sajonte).

For more on Guatemala, visit our website: www.choicehumanitarian.org

2006-01-24T13:35:00.000-07:00

CHOICE Humanitarian Guatemala Field Operations

1.24.06 11:00 a.m. - Conference call with Javier Rabanales, Guatemala In-Country Director

Original conversation in Spanish, as translated by Chris Johnson, Director of Field Operations
C = Choice Staff
J = Javier

C: Can you tell us a little bit more about Xalibe Sejubub? And how it compares to other villages in the area? What is the difference between Xalibe and Sajonte (a village about 8-10 kms away)?

J: Xalibe is a village of about 35 families, but they are very poor, have no access to resources and have very little vision or knowledge about how to improve their lives.
For example, in Sajonte they grow mandarins, have created a coop to sell the mandarins, and are able to produce income for their families. They also grow other crops to support their families.

(Xalibe Sejubub, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala)
But, in Xalibe, they have no knowledge about how to grown anything other than beans, corn and coffee. Because they have been coffee plantation workers for generations.

C: So what is the difference between the villages? How is it that two villages side-by-side can be so different?

(Santiago Ical, local leader)

J: The difference is leadership and vision and knowledge. Sajonte has a natural leader who is educated and has a vision to improve the lives of the villagers - Santiago. He has created the coop, organized the community, encourages improvements, etc.

C: Is malnutrition an issue in these communities?

J: In Sajonte is malnutrition a problem? No – not really. Because they grow other crops and have the mandarins to generate income.
In Xalibe – is malnutrition a problem? Yes, it is, as a result of no income generation, no crops that they can grow. And ignorance – as to what to eat, they don’t know when to go to the health clinic, or that malnutrition is an issue. They also don't understand how important other health issues are, like: vaccinations, pregnant women, general nutrition, hygiene training.
This is where Brook and Brady (new interns heading down in February, to live with Santiago for a year) can help the most.
(Woman in Xalibe who recently died from malnutrition)
Brook and Brady can do a health evaluation and needs assessment, where they do monthly check-ups and help teach the community about hygiene and general health, and can help facilitate visits from health professionals, establish a vaccination campaign, etc.

C: Is there someone like Santiago, a natural leader in Xalibe to create vision and leadership?

J: Haven’t identified anyone yet. Need to spend time with the community to find the person.

In the meantime, I have things that I want to do with the community to test whether or not they are really engaged and want to change their community. Also to help build community and teach them how to organize and work together. These are things that each community should be doing before CHOICE works on a major project with them. He wants to work with them little by little, with small programs, to get their thinking on track. For example:

1. Improving their homes: They can organize in groups of 5 or 6 and work to improve their individual homes. Because the base for progress is their living situation. They are living in tiny houses with dirt floors. They have no vision of what their lives could be like, and that starts with their homes. Village is sectioned into clusters, of say like 5 families. The 5 families would work together to improve each other’s homes. CHOICE may help with the cost of metal roofs, but otherwise all cost is the villagers - it is their time and work.

2. Pride in the community - by picking up trash and making small improvements to existing strutctures

3. Improving trails and pathways - with the rain, many of the trails become very muddy or impassable. By using local volcanic rock or other gravel, the trails can be improved. Again, this is no cost to CHOICE, but requires the community to work together and take initiative.

4. Family gardens - to help families produce more variety for consumption

5. Literacy program for adults - this is especially important because so few of the adults speak spanish and read or write. There is no value for education. But, through the literacy program and improving the community, I hope that they come to the conclusion on their own that a school is important and the importance of education.

(Literacy class of women in Sajonte)

C: Is there a school in Xalibe and what percentage of kids are actually going to school?

J: No, there is not a school and I don't know the exact percentage. But, for this region, only about 30% of children attend primary level. Secondary level is even lower.
But, I have an idea as an incentive for increasing attendance: I would like to use the school supplies that Hope Alliance left as an incentive for kids to go to school. So, if they attend school for a period of time, they receive a notebook, a backpack or etc.

C: What other programs are you thinking about for the area?

J: I want to strengthen and extend the health system to the individual communities. I believe we could have a lot of success if we work with and develop a program for village health worker training. Who could do the rollout program of village health evaluations of the children, pregnant women, elderly people. Use their new knowledge to create preventative health and monitor the health of the community.

C: What is the current health care system?

J: There is a government entity to do healthcare in the Polochic, Cafesano – but, they are not having much success, because they are understaffed and the area is so overwhelming. In the last year, they have had a turnover of 4 people. I already talked to Cafesano people about working with us – they are very excited about it and ready to work together. These are things that they are contracted to do, but don’t have the manpower to be able to do. We can help with that.

J: The other thing we are working on is a secondary school closer to this cluster of villages. Trying to get the young people to go onto secondary school is like sending them to the moon - they have to go all the way to Panzos (an hour bus ride). And so most don't continue on.

I am working with the director of education in Xalibe, who manages the education budget for the entire area, the mayor’s office, all the surrounding villages, and 3 other NGOs(non-government organizations) to put together the project. We would build it in the marketplace outside Sajonte, which is a central location to all the villages.

- The Ministry of education has already budgeted to staff and provide materials to the school, they just don’t have the building yet.
- Would service 10-15 communities
- It would be a 6 room facility, 40 students per class, probably have to do it in two phases
- Cost of such a project: $25-30, 000 would include a library, bathrooms, administrative rooms, etc. Cost includes qualified labor – a contractor to manage the project, but the villagers would do all the work.

(Students from Sajonte who would like to attend secondary school, but need funding for scholarships)
C: What things do you need, besides funding for projects?

J: We could use more newborn clothing - like Bruce and the Hope Alliance sent
- Water testing kit – Hope Alliance
- Palm Pilot
- Motorcycles
- 2 portable dental kits
- Funding for Santiago's Transportation to meetings
- Cellphone for Santiago
- Funding for Manuel – health guy, does the water studies, etc.

**Check back for additional field updates from our monthly conference calls. To find out more, email: efranson@choicehumanitarian.org