January 2023 Putting together the annual report is a special time of reflection and joy as it involves looking back over the entire year, recognizing the key ebbs and flows, and cherishing the important milestones. Our partners in Guatemala describe this past year as one of getting back on their feet, taking stock of what is salvable following some of the most difficult times in recent history, and focusing on rebuilding life with the COVID-19 virus and its attendant risks as part of it. Key COVID related highlights included the children from the Cooperative of Nuevo Horizonte receiving their COVID vaccinations throughout the summer months. And while there was significant illness in the community including dengue, monkeypox, and various respiratory infections during the rainy season, there were negligible cases of COVID. Overall, our partners are starting to feel stronger and more optimistic once again.
Kid’s Kid's club club
Bienestar’s work in Guatemala this year revolved around two key initiatives: student scholarships and the Health and Wellness program with a focus on diabetes prevention in the Cooperative of Nuevo Horizonte. We’re also delighted that volunteers have started to return. Our Guatemalan partners were able to collaborate with two Canadian volunteers who shared their expertise, enthusiasm, and interest in learning about the community while working at the Junior High School and with the clubs. How exciting to have volunteers back in the community-more about how you can volunteer later! We can only do all this amazing work because of you. Your commitment to care about others outside of daily view whose challenges, strengths, fears, and hopes are closely linked to our own is greatly appreciated and we can’t thank you enough.