Projects in Guatemala make a difference in children's lives
Bill Chadwick introduced our speaker, David Alvarez - Director International Projects for Centro Cristino Cultural De Guatemala. David has worked with Rotary for nearly 18 years. He is currently working on several projects in 15 villages and 1 city across Guatemala – some in very remote villages. These projects provide a vision for the future to make them self-sustaining.
In this region, 23 different dialects are spoken. If the children do not learn Spanish, then it is hard to become employed. Many live in extreme poverty in shacks with dirt floors and with only 2 meals per day.
The projects of for Centro Cristino Cultural De Guatemala focus on education of children, in addition to nutrition and healthcare. For example, they serve over 700 breakfasts every day before kids go to school. Projects include water treatment and sanitation, all interrelated with health issues and enhancing the ability to learn. They are working to provide the support needed so children can grow up better, breaking the cycle of poverty, hunger, and health issues.
Multiple Rotary groups come to Guatemala every year to support the work of Centro Cristino Cultural De Guatemala. District 5580 helped build a Junior High School and is now working on a High School.
Stroudwater Christian Church has also been active in this region. They have constructed buildings and provide for breakfasts, along with other projects. Wayne Lopez has been involved for several years and has brought other dentists to provide dental care in Quatro Cayos.
A medical building was recently built with space for a dental clinic in Aqua Caliente. Now they are working to equip that dental clinic which will serve the region. Approximately 10,000 can be reached through this clinic, which was placed central to the area it will serve.
Our current global grant proposal for dental equipment will be revised to take into account the current infrastructure in place. This should make the project a strong contender for funding.