The Children of Nimasac, Guatemala, all smiles.

We fell in love with Guatemala once again!

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A small but enthusiastic group returned from Guatemala June 18.

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Economic Empowerment Project

          We had the privilege of meeting for an entire morning with the staff of Fundación Herencia Viva/Living Heritage Foundation to consider collaborating on an economic empowerment project. This project is a three-year commitment with outstanding impact projections. Ten to fifteen individuals receive business training (plans, assessment of success, methods for sustaining and expanding the business), a grant in year one, another potential grant in year two, some extra health care, potential scholarships for other members of the family, regular support and more. We believe this is exactly what we’ve been looking for as we work to create more economic opportunities in Nimasac. We’re getting ready to do specific fundraising to take this project to Nimasac.

 

School Supplies Purchasing and Delivering

Each year we solicit lists of requested school supplies, spend some time making the purchases, and deliver the school supplies to the (now) four schools: 3 elementary and the middle school. Delivering the supplies individually to the school is always a meaningful and enjoyable experience. This year we were treated to a program which included songs and speeches of gratitude. It was a treat to see 125 students in the middle school dressed in uniforms and clearly enthusiastic about being in school. This school is only 4 years old (in a town of now almost 15,000 residents!) and largely exists because of our scholarship program, which created a parent-led demand for its inauguration. We were feted by another school with treats, and we received an official plaque of thanks from another, framed and mounted!

 

The Scholarship Program

The scholarship program is thriving. All but one student was able to attend the large meeting Sunday morning (or subsequently, in the afternoon at the church service). I gave an address to them about learning, cautioned them about thinking that going to the US is an answer to economic and other problems and emphasizing that the program will help them achieve their goals, and finally, suggested that learning English will be a life-long help to them, as English continues to become the world’s common language. The students then met in groups by level with one of our team (visitors and staff) to talk about their studies, hopes, and dreams. Always the best part, we shared the sponsors’ notes and received letters in return, written with care. These will be distributed via email or in person over the next few weeks, once they are translated into English.

 

Esperanza’s Women’s Economic Project

          We continue to work with a small group of women in Nimasac who are interested in making money sewing. We presented some new projects and agreed on some products to be made for us, which will be delivered in the fall when some Esperanza staff come to the US.

 

Note:  Save the Date!  November 16, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Esperanza de Guatemala will be one of a number of booths at the Alternative Gift Market hosted by the Community Partnership Team of Cary Presbyterian Church. We will have handicrafts from Guatemala (including the sewing items mentioned above), and an opportunity to make donations as gifts to that someone who has everything, including a big heart!

 

Guatemalans to Visit mid-September

Yes, two of our staff will be here mid-September. We’ll let you know the exact dates before long. We will have several meet-and-greet events, including a fundraiser. Stay tuned for more information!

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Watch for postings on Facebook and Instagram!

Facebook: Esperanza Guatemala Missions

Instagram:  @espdegnc

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