Friday in Guatemala

A young 2nd Grader

For lunch, we had an opportunity to spend a couple of hours in Xela to shop, eat lunch or tour museums. We basically went for lunch at a nice little restaurant that had the best view in town. It overlooks the main square and our seats were on the ledge for the best view. From this perch, we could see the great volcano mountains in the distance.

The school band at Santiago Cooperative School

We had an amazing welcome as the band played and we were escorted to our seats by beautiful young ladies. This was one of the few schools we visited this week that had a focus on music, which I find very important as I am a musician of sorts.

Additionally, they welcomed us with the entrance of the Guatemalan flag, the American flag and the school flag. It is also a rare occasion for the school to sing our national anthem. All of the students sang loudly and proudly the anthem of the United States. We were also treated to the Guatemalan national anthem in their Mayan language.

A kite the students at Santiago Cooperative School made for CoEd

The students of Santiago presented a kite they made in appreciation for the work CoEd has done for them. This school has been a textbook school for 12 years and they also have a computer center and scholarship program. We visited this school for the scholarship program as CoEd has expanded the number of scholarships for this school.

Prof. Juan Jose Caxaj, Principal of the Santiago Cooperative School

The principal of this school is a very powerful speaker who spoke with passion for his school and community. He mentioned that the school was less than 10km from Guatemala City, yet they have never received a textbook or computer from the government. His students have been very involved in the programs this school has and it is a true success story

Music teacher with some of his students

This school has a great music program complete with a band. The music teacher, pictured her playing with some of his students, graduated from this school a few years ago. Now, he is the music teacher.

Dancing the Afternoon Away!!!

Dancing with a lovely young lady is a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. It is amazing how welcoming they are to total strangers. She made me look good on the dance floor.

Three young ladies who approached us on our way out!

Here are three young ladies who were wonderful and posed for a photo. I didn’t realize at the time, but I met her last year when Boyd and I took a couple young sponsorship ladies to lunch. Ingrid is her name and she remembered me, even though I did not remember her. I will admit she looked familiar.

If you are looking for a way to make a huge difference in a young person’s life, a scholarship sponsorship is the way to go. It is only $500 per year and it means so much to them.

Rotarian Dinner in Xela

On Thursday evening, we all had an opportunity to visit the homes of several local Rotarians in Xela. The local Rotary club in Xela is the host club for the GLP and as such, we annually dine with them while on this tour. This year, Terry and I joined Kathy Lowe and Casey Kerr, both from Ohio, as we visited a Rotarian’s home for dinner.

It was an amazing experience and a testament to the fact that no matter where you travel as a Rotarian, you have friends. This is one of the things that makes Rotary special. Strangers welcoming others because of similar beliefs and goals. Rotary’s mission is alive in all parts of the world. If you are interested in being a part of an organization that has this type of reach, you must consider Rotary. It is a one-of-a-kind organization.

As we arrived at our host home, we were offered a drink of our choice. Terry and I both had a scotch…or two before dinner. The conversation was interesting and compelling at the same time. I especially enjoyed speaking with Julia, the sister-in-law of our host Rotarian who is a widow and spent several years living in Madrid. We talked about Spain and the time my wife and I spent in Barcelona a couple of years ago. I had to bring out some of my pictures of Barcelona and she immediately recognized a Gaudi building.

I also had the pleasure of meeting Andrea, who is the granddaughter of one of the Rotarians in attendance. She is in college studying nutrition and hopes to come to the U.S. after college to continue her studies and possibly work here. Of course, Terry immediately offered his home for her to live while here. We both told her to remember one thing if she decides to move to the U.S.,…Raleigh, North Carolina. She was a very impressive young lady and her english was better than Terry’s.

At dinner, I had the opportunity to speak with an architecture who had spent time in Michigan several years ago. In fact, he mentioned that he was married there and honeymooned there. He said that he had visited Mackinaw City for his honeymoon, but the town was basically abandoned. He went on to say that his visit took place during the winter, which Mackinaw City and the island is very much tied to the summer vacation season.

We exchanged Rotary flags with our host before we returned to the hotel. After dinner, I had brought out my I-pad to show pictures and had to be nearly forced to leave as they were enjoying my photos.

These dinners with the Rotarians is worth the trip. Every time I have had the opportunity to meet other Rotarians while traveling, it has been a wonderful experience. I encourage you to travel for Rotary, if you are a Rotarian, as there is nothing like the experience of developing close friendships in a short period of time due to your shared connection to Rotary.

Even with the fellow North American Rotarians who participated in this trip, it became a situation where we developed very close relationships quickly.

 

 

Thursday in Guatemala!

I apologize for being behind with my blogging, but three days this week, my Internet connection was very spotty and it was difficult to blog on those days as I would loose connection at the drop of the hat.

Thursday began with a trip to Chiquilaja’ Cooperative School for a Re-inauguration of the textbook program. Again, this is an amazing experience as it is the first time the parents have actually purchased the textbooks. It is often difficult to get them to understand that they actually purchased these books as they automatically assume it was Rotary and CoEd.

The School at Chiquilaja' posted a message to Rotary and CoEd.

At this school, all of the participants were escorted into the hall by a local student. A table was set up in the front for some of the dignitaries of the group. Also in attendance was Brenda, the young lady who was the sponsor for the GLP in 2010 during the national contest for non-profits in Guatemala. CoEd came in 3rd place, which was where they wanted as the other two groups needed the money more than they did that year.

Panel of the Dignitaries for the Re-dedication Ceremony

This school has both the textbook and computer center and has been doing an amazing job of educating their students. Brenda is not in Secondary (high school). She wants to attend college and last I knew, she wanted to be a doctor.

Howard Lobb & Brenda

The once shy and timid Brenda has developed into a confident young lady. She wanted to say a few words of thanks and encouragement to both the Rotarians and her former classmates. She is a breath of fresh air with her perspective on life. Brenda is the product of a single mother with several siblings. Her father left the family years ago and her mother has insisted that her children get an education to help raise them out of poverty. I can only imagine that her future will be bright.

Principal of the school enjoying himself

After the formal ceremony, the students performed a couple of dances for us. During the final performance, they encouraged us to join them in the dance. The principal of the school got his “groove” on with the students. It is always a very festive occasion for them to have us at their school. We felt very honored to be there.

The Three Amigos

After the first school for the day, we had some free time in Xela to walk around and have lunch on our own. The Three Amigos, Terry, Bang and myself, stopped for a moment to be photographed before taking Gabby to lunch. We picked the same restaurant that Boyd and I visited the previous year. This restaurant was good, but a little slow. However, it gave us a bird’s eye view of the main square in Xela and several other members of our group followed us to this 2nd floor balcony restaurant.

Computer Center Inauguration at Tacajalve' Cooperative School

After lunch, we gathered on the buses to travel to the Tacajalve’ Cooperative School for a computer center inauguration. This makes 51 computer centers in Guatemalan schools since 2001.The students are thirsty for knowledge and computers are the future for Guatemala and their students. Computer skills will make them better qualified to get a good paying job when they graduate. Nearly half of all good paying jobs in Guatemala require computer skills.

Computer center demonstration

After the ceremony, I had the opportunity to visit with this young man as he demonstrated what he had learned since school began for them less than 3 weeks prior. He demonstrated both Excel and Powerpoint. Skills that I do not completely have after many years with a computer. He was very impressive and the teacher training is impressive. Last year, one of the CoEd trained computer teachers traveled to Washington, D.C. to compete in a Microsoft competition for teachers. This same teacher won at both the local, national and regional levels before being invited to compete at the international level. He did not win, but was very competitive.

Once again, the schools that we visited this day were unique experiences. It seems the more schools I visit, the more impressed I become with CoEd, the GLP and the students. They are striving to improve themselves and with the help of Rotarians and others, they have a great opportunity to vastly improve their nation.

Wednesday in Guatemala

Wednesday morning brought us to the La Esperanza Cooperative School. This was a textbook, re-inauguration. This means they have been in the program for at least five years and have accumulated the funds from their book fees to replace their old books with new editions. This is always an important occasion for the students, teachers and especially the parents. For it is through the efforts of the parents that the money is collected to ensure they have new textbooks. This is how this program is self-sustaining.

Past President Terry Hutchens giving a speech to the students and parents

Past President of the North Raleigh Rotary Club, Terry Hutchens was the speaker for the morning and gave an impassioned speech about the need for the students and parents to continue to embrace and utilize these tools to better themselves and their communities. This is what the project is all about…students bettering themselves to serve and improve their local communities. Each generation of student is a role model for those who would follow them.

Terry was the speaker because he and Jeff Taylor, a past member of the North Raleigh Rotary Club, sponsored the computer center at this school several years ago. After the presentation, we did visit the computer lab, but I was unable to take photos as my batteries died again on me.

Presentation of the new textbooks

As you will note, I am being photographed with two students and a parent. With the re-inaugurations, a Rotarian presents the new textbook to the parent and the parent presents it to the student. This day happens only because the parents at the school pay the fees to ensure the money is available to purchase new textbooks. It is still difficult at times to get the message across to the locals that these books are not because of Rotary, but because of them.

It truly gives them a sense of accomplishment as they are helping themselves, not being helped. Once they begin to grasp this concept, it will give them even more pride in their school and community.

After visiting the Taylor-Hutchens Computer Center, a few of us joined the basketball game already in progress. The school has a girls basketball team and wanted to have a game with us. I must admit, I am out-of-shape and the high altitude did not help me in the least.

Girls Basketball team for La Esperanza Cooperative School

While I was playing basketball, Terry took a tour of the addition the school hopes to get done soon. They are looking for ways to pay for the improvements which will be around Q200,000 to complete. The principal is very passionate about his school and education. He is a huge fan of CoEd and the GLP.  As he mentioned in his presentation, he was initially a little apprehensive about the initial textbook project, but after seeing the results from the students, he has become fully committed to this project.

In the afternoon, we visited Colegio Fuente de Sabiduria school for a textbook inauguration. This was once again, an amazing experience. The local cooperative has become very involved of late with establishing a quality education for their community. I hate that I did not have the use of my camera as they, together, have done an amazing job to build a large, multi-storied structure with an indoor soccer field.

The cooperative has determined the education is important and are helping this school. They wanted the textbook program and are interested in getting a computer lab as soon as they can.

Young student at the Colegio Fuente De Sabiduria School

The students were excited to have us here, but more so, excited about the new textbooks. After leaving the school, Terry said to the group that he would like to be at this school the next day when the students received their textbooks. He thought that would be an amazing experience. Later in the week, Howard Lobb, the director for the computer centers for CoEd, mentioned that he would love to be in the homes of these students to see how they interact with their parents with their new textbooks. To see the excitement would be amazing.

Two Young Ladies at this school

It was at this school that I realized how popular I was among the young ladies. These two adorable young ladies approached me and wanted to take my photo. Unfortunately, they could not locate their camera in the crowd, so I got a photo of them. Many of these Indigenous Mayans have never seen a ‘Gringo” and they get excited when they do see one.

When it comes to this school, I expect to hear great things from it. This school and community has finally realized that education is important to the future of their children and communities and are doing everything in their power to ensure their children a brighter future.

Another Amazing day in Guatemala

Paxot Cooperative School

This morning, the groups split up as each group performed a textbook inauguration. We were considered the “valiente” group or “brave” group as we had the hardest journey to throughout the day. We traveled at least 45 minutes on dirt roads with hairpin turns and steep elevations. Most of the time, we had both the sharp curves and steep hill at the same time. I wouldn’t consider it the toughest ride of my life, but it was one of them. The staff even brought out the sick bags in the event they were needed. Of course, they were not as we are the tough group on this tour.

The Primary School children receive books

The principal at this school was very passionate about his students and their education. Several times, he mentioned that the students have a responsibility to use these tools to “get all of the juice” out of them. He added that he will personally take the responsibility to ensure that these tools will be used to their best. It is refreshing to hear a man take responsibility in advance.

Principal at Paxot Cooperative School

This principal showed both leadership in his school, but it appeared that the community held him in high regards. This is not the kind of leadership that can be faked, rather it is genuine and heartfelt. You could tell that he cares deeply for his students and community.

Ceremonial Dance to commemorate their heritage!

This is an amazing school and I am very happy that I survived the rough terrain to get to this school. They were very welcoming and so very warm. I cannot get over how much these people embrace us.

Chuchipaca Computer Center Inauguration

On Tuesday afternoon, both groups came together for the inauguration of the computer center at Chuchipaca school. This is a major event for them and many local officials and business representatives turned out for the celebration. CoEd has developed some relationships with local business who see the value in an educated workforce and have assisted with new computer centers.

I am finishing this entry this evening as Internet connection was spotty yesterday and it is the same here today. I may try to post some photos to Facebook, but I believe I will not attempt to blog until Friday evening, when I will be in Antigua, Guatemala.

You will not believe the experience we had today, so you will want to read the blog on Saturday.

Please let me know if you have any questions about this tour or the GLP.

Visiting our first schools in Guatemala

Young girls at the Pixabaj Primary School

Our first school was an induction of the Culture of Reading Program (CORP) at the Pixabaj Primary School. This program is amazing as it teaches both Spanish to the children, but also attempts to instill a passion for reading. It is one thing to be able to read, but another thing to actually read. Or for that matter, have materials to read. Many Guatemalan children either cannot read or have nothing to read. This program brings picture books into the schools for these children to enjoy.

This program starts with the teacher reading one of these books every day to their students. This is one thing that has been missing in these schools. Moreover, it is designed as a way to teach the teachers how to teach in an engaging way. In the past, the teachers would simply lecture the students and there was no interaction between students and teachers. This program changes that trend.

The teachers must be certified for the CORP program. It is a two-year commitment and the CoEd staff are responsible for teaching them. Once they complete the initial instruction, they can begin to use these books to engage their students. This program does not cost the schools or students any money as everything is completely donated to them. However, they are improving the schools dramatically.

The process starts with the teacher giving them the new words they will learn in this book. They make it very interactive as they must sound out the words, then place the word on a wall under the appropriate letter the word begins with. Once they have done this, the teacher will read the book to them. On the second day, the students will dramatize the book so they can better comprehend the story.

On the following day, they will re-write their story in their own words into a big book that will be kept in the school. Finally, the students will partner with each other to write their own version of the books complete with pictures. This gives them even more books to take home and read on their own. It really is an amazing concept and one that has been tested around the world.

A Ceremonial dance performed for us

As always, the students perform ceremonial dances for us in appreciation for our efforts to help them with their education. These dances can be very moving and impressive. It makes you feel good the way they open their arms to us.

After the demonstration in the room, we had an opportunity to engage the students in various ways. We had Rotarians give our stickers and others blew bubbles for them. The students were fascinated with these items. I played both soccer and basketball with them. I must admit, I was winded after only a short time. It was partly due to my being out of shape and partly due to the altitude. This school was at about 6,00o ft above sea level. We will be as high as 12,000 feet above sea level during this trip.

In the afternoon, we visited the Jucanya Cooperative School here in Panajachel. This was a textbook induction and the mayor showed up for the ceremony. The principal mentioned that they had heard about this program for several years and had hoped they would be accepted into the program. Since it is not a free program, it shows how positive this program has been for rural Guatemala.

I apologize that I cannot add any photos, but I left my camera on the bus and could not take any at this school. It was apparent that the teachers and students were excited about having textbooks for the first time. They vowed that they would use them to improve their education while being very thankful for the opportunity.

This is the thing about the people of rural Guatemala. They know that the only way they are going to have a better future for their children and their nation is through education. I cannot stress this enough that they are hungry for knowledge and desperate to improve not only themselves, but their families and the country. It really warms your heart to see the students so excited to get a textbook. Are your children excited when they get their textbooks?

I will end here as it is getting late and I have to get up early. We will be leaving Panajachel and Lake Attilan tomorrow. I will blog tomorrow if I have Internet at the hotel is Xela. Last year, I could not get a signal, but hopefully, I will this year. If not, you will not hear from me for a few days as we will be staying there for 3 nights.

A Sunday Trip to Santiago

Here we are with Bang Soedarjatno

On Sunday morning, we loaded into a boat and traveled across the lake to Santiago to enjoy the day there before the real work begins on Monday. Santiago is a wonderful town and the largest on Lake Attilan. The people are very welcoming and quite interesting. They are more into fashion, so you will see them wearing their traditional garb, but with a modern twist to it.

Gabby, one of the CoEd staff members and some Guatemalan ladies

As you can see, the lake has one of the most spectacular views in the world. It boasts several volcanoes which surround the lake with three very close together which makes for a postcard photo. Traveling across the lake is very tranquil and quite therapeutic. The lake is probably the best tourist attraction in the country. Both Guatemalans and Americans come here for vacation.

Once we arrived in Santiago, we visited a Cooperative that teaches the weaving techniques and attempts to keep this fading are alive in Guatemala. It can take weeks for a single garment to be made and is very expensive for the locals to purchase.

A Guatemalan lady is weaving at the Cooperative in Santiago

In many ways, Santiago is typical of what you will find in Guatemala, especially in the rural areas. The streets are very narrow with store fronts all along the street. The vendors make their living selling their wares to tourist. Guatemala gets around 1.5 million tourist a year. Unfortunately, they should be able to attract more tourist and the Mayan people do not benefit as much as they should due to a lack of education and a corrupt government. The government is getting better and there are hopes that the new president and his administration will help all Guatemala benefit. With nearly 75% of Guatemalans living below the poverty level, there is much room for improvement.

A typical street in Guatemala, this one in Santiago

Once again, we visited the main cathedral in Santiago. So much of their culture and daily life centers around the church. When the Spanish came to Guatemala, they imported the Catholic faith. Today, you will find it mixed with Mayan beliefs and gods as the Spanish attempted to integrate the two religions in order to conquer the nation. They also built cities like Santiago in order to get the population centered to better control them.

 

Cathedral in Santiago, Guatemala

Guatemala is a paradise for those looking for outdoor activities. You can hike to ancient Mayan ruins, climb volcanoes, paragliding off mountains and so much more. Outside our hotel at Lake Attilan, we saw several paragliders, coming off nearby mountains. If you can imagine yourself doing this, you must visit Guatemala.

Paragliding at Lake Attilan

On Monday, we will visit our first schools. Many of the participants are looking forward to seeing the students. Stay tuned as I will be blogging about the first day in the schools.