Really, guate am i doing?

I’ve realized that I haven’t been really specific about what I’ve been doing the past four months that I’ve been in Guatemala. And now that I have a pretty good understanding as to why I am here and what I’m doing, thought I would share.

My partner Abigail, or Ab-e-guy-eel (in Guatemalan accent), and I are working with the 17 schools of our municipality. We’re working with a wide variety of schools a few which are in the town center, one which has close to a thousand students. Then there are schools in the surrounding aldeas, some which have as few as 30 students. In the smaller schools they’ll combine classes. I’m still trying to figure our why sometimes they’ll combine 2^nd and 6^th grade in one class. Hmm.

So what we’re doing, or trying to do, is work directly with the directors and teachers of all the schools, teaching health. Before the volunteers would work closely with two schools, visiting each school twice a week, teaching the children. Now they’ve changed the program to work with the entire municipality, and the teachers. Hopefully creating more sustainability and putting more responsibility in the hands of teachers and directors.

The program, Escuelas Saludables, I’m working with tries to certify each school, as a healthy school. And to certify you have to meet a list of requirements that include things such as

75% of students practices healthy habits (washing hands after bathroom, brushing teeth, arriving clean to school).

Teachers give health classes at least twice a week,

The school has water 5/5 (the 5 hours the kids are in school, 5 days a week)

At least 8 working faucets in the school

There are a few other requirements but these are the main things that we focus on. It’s funny, Ab-e-guy-eel and I were talking about how on paper, the profile of a “healthy school” seems so easy to accomplish. But there are schools that take more than 6 years to be certified. For many different reasons. Lack of motivation from the community, teachers or volunteers. Also the simple fact that many of the schools don’t have running water of if they do, only one faucet that serves the entire school.

We’ve been introducing ourselves to every school, teacher, student and director. It’s been a slow start, trying to build confianza, and trying to give people a reason to actually listen to us. Trying to convince teachers that have been working in the schools for over twenty years, or parents, to listen to a pair of 22 year olds, females, is challenging. However, here in Guatemala, the facts are that intestinal diseases (acute diarrhea, and intestinal parasitosis) are the second and third leading causes of general morbidity. Number one, is acute respiratory infections. So we’re working on prevention, and education. Hoping to give our first 2-4 hour workshop in a few weeks.

More details and information to come. I find myself surprising myself with how quickly this country is becoming home, and the little customs I’m picking up. Just yesterday, Abby opened my cupboard to find a plate of melted butter in my cupboard, and in my microwave oven a complete meal from a few days ago.

a few words

Now, that I’ve been in my site for a few weeks, and have started to settle in I’ve realized there’s no excuse not to give a few updates. Even if the internet connection makes me rage a little bit.

After swearing in as Peace Corps Volunteer a few weeks ago, a few fun nights in Antigua celebrating and salsa dancing, I’ve slowly been making the transition of making this new town my home. I didn’t think it’d be so difficult to leave my training town of only three months. But as I was boarding the camioneta, weighed down and clumsy with too much luggage, nearly taking out an old indigenous lady on the way, I was reminiscent of moving out of home for the first time. My host Mom was standing on the corner gritando to be careful. Not to let anyone touch my stuff. Keep my money in my bra. Con cuidado. I realized that I was finally going to be independent, after a long three months of constant supervision from the Peace Corps. From my host family. Being constantly surrounded by other Peace Corps friends. I am finally on my own...kind of.

I guess there was definite reason for me to be a bit apprehensive about my new move. Just fifteen minutes later my compañera de trabajo called me, very uspet, to say that she just had 2000 quetzales stolen from her on the camioneta.

Now we’re slowly settling in to our new town. Buying stuff for our homes. Adjusting to the new family im living with. Cooking and baking way too much food. Discovering my new obsession with avocados (why didnt anyone let me know how tasty they are before!?!).

Work is also going great. We will be working with all 17 schools in the municipality. It is a slow process, because we have to go around to each school, introduce ourselves to each classroom, have meeting with the directors and teachers of every school. But now, I walk around the pueblo and cant go for more than a few minutes without some kid or teacher stopping to talk with me.

Yesterday night, I joined an Evangelical prayer group. I am really not sure how that happened. Most of you that know me, are probably confused right now. But yes it was a lot of prayer and worship songs. Interesting. In exchange, I now how access to to fresh avocado trees. Worth it? I think so.

Bueno, that is it for now. But expect more updates.

Con mucho amor.

amber

fotos

picture out of my bedroom window



my lovely new home



my lovely partner and mis perritos Osa y Bobby



relaxing at my new home


volcano on walk home from work



cliff and his host mother at swear in!
(in that order)

desaparecida...

I know, I know. I havent been in contact with anyone lately. But Im happily in my site, that ill be living in for the next two years. Ill write a real entry soon. As soon as I find an internet connection that doesnt make me want to throw the computer into the street. Hope all is well!!

Lots of amor y sonrisas.

Amber