It is said that the global pandemic has changed our lives and brought unexpected insights. That was certainly the case for United by Friendship. We were concerned when we had to postpone our annual trips to Guatemala due to travel restrictions and wondered how UbF’s work could continue. Thankfully, we had excellent coordination by Guatemalans, who were able to carry on.
Luis Lopez
Luis Lopez has been our main representative in Uspantan for several years. Because we recognized his intelligence, commitment to service and his connections in many communities, we helped him with a UbF scholarship to complete college. Luis has now earned a B.A in community organization. He advises UBF on project selection, provides budgets and oversees the work.
Victor Hugo Figueroa
Another key person who has worked closely with UbF is the mayor of Uspantan, Victor Hugo Figueroa. He helps UbF by providing funding for the skilled labor needed for our projects, such as surveys and engineering. He has a proven record of providing good governance for Uspantan, and we value his experience.
Oscar Batres
One of our best decisions in 2020 was to bring Oscar Batres onto our board of directors. Oscar is a businessman in Guatemala City, and as a Rotarian, he coordinated several water projects in Uspantan. His great joy is to help make a difference in his country. He is our main project advisor and ensures that materials are purchased for the projects on a timely basis.
The work of UbF continues smoothly because of these three individuals. Our plans for 2021 are to construct a kindergarten classroom, a school kitchen and a computer lab for a region that has no electricity and internet. These will be challenging projects; but with Luis Lopez, Victor Hugo, Oscar Batres, and your financial support, together, United by Friendship will make it happen.
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