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CSUF Volunteer Group Improves Local Literacy, English and More to San Martín
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"I couldn't have predicted the profound impact this trip would have on me, and apparently, how my presence even for such a short time could positively impact the people I met in San Martín. It was life changing."
This was the reflection of one of the participants of the Xela AID-Cal State University, Fullerton, volunteer group that returned stateside June 17. It was a several-week-long trip that combined five full days of service in the village of San Martín Chiquito with intensive cultural exploration and exchange in Antigua, Quetzaltenango, Chiquibál, Salcaja, Panajachel, Atitlan, and beyond!
The CSUF "Adventure Monkeys" as this team dubbed themselves, were full of energy and "put their whole selves in" where every new adventure was concerned -- including a game of hot-tub Hokey Pokey to let off steam one star-studded evening. CSUF Group Leader Prof. Chris Ruiz-Velasco called each student "remarkable in their own way," and expressed how proud he was of how each had challenged themselves over the course of the trip.
Said Leslie Baer Dinkel, Xela AID's executive director, "From the team's first landing in Guatemala City through our last night together at Lake Atitlan, the Adventure Monkeys were whole-hearted volunteers. Their passion was inspiring."
Share some moments with the Adventure Monkeys and trip leaders by visiting the ADVENTURE MONKEY PHOTO ALBUM.
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Exciting New Programs and Workshops Launched at Xela AID's Headquarters
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HAPPY FAMILIES WORKSHOP: In an effort to equip families to be productive and self-reliant, Xela AID's staff has begun holding workshops for parents to learn more about the importance of good parenting practices. This week, Xela AID's Therapist Yuly Hoffins led a workshop with the topic "Becoming a Better Parent." Many parents from San Martín gathered together (pictured above) to meet in groups and discuss the importance of good parenting. Most of the participants are parents of the students in our Work Study Scholarship Program. During the course of the Happy Families Workshop Series, topics will be covered ranging from love between a husband and wife, to healthy communication with children, to working together as a family.
FOR THE MEN OF SAN MARTÍN: On the first Wednesday of each month, men from the San Martín community gather together to learn and discuss various topics. This month, Xela AID's Architect Rony Escalante shared his perspective on the importance of good environmental practices. His presentation was followed by a discussion involving everyone.
Stay tuned for more updates on all of the exciting programs at Xela AID Headquarters!
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Help Bring Clean Water to Honor Roll Student Julia and her Family!
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Julia Baquiax Robles (pictured above, left) was just 12 years old when her mother abandoned her and three other siblings, Victor, Aida, and Rosa. For six months, Julia's devoted father took over the many duties that normally, the woman of the house undertakes: preparing all the meals and washing all the clothes. Besides that, he went to work every day, and when he came home late at night, he read to the children by candle light.
One day, Julia's father did not come home. The next day, her aunt arrived to tell the children the terrible news that their father had been in an accident. Sadly, he died several days later. Orphaned, Julia and her siblings were afraid of what would happen next. Fortunately, Julia's Auntie's Rosalinda and Juanita stepped in and began to care for the four children along with two cousins.
Last year, generous Xela AID contributors made it possible for Julia, her siblings, cousins and Aunties to move from a tiny, single-room adobe house with a leaky roof and no bathroom into a home with a bathroom, kitchen, and individual beds for each family member. Thanks to the support of Cinde MacGugan-Cassidy, Julia's sponsor in Xela AID's WSS Program, Julia has been able to excel in school. In fact, Julia recently became a member of the honor roll at her school and received recognition in a special ceremony (pictured above). She is currently the top student in the school at her grade level!
However, the family still has to walk more than 30 minutes to get water!
Xela AID Volunteer and trip leader in training Tara Love has made it her mission to raise enough money in order to hook up the house to the local water system. This will greatly improve this family's health and quality of life! To help, visit Tara's fundraising page HERE.
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Stay tuned for more updates soon!
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