Thanks to the tireless work of our volunteers and partners, both in the US and Guatemala, we are regaining momentum that was lost during the pandemic. We have three specific projects we’re focused on for 2023, primarily with a focus on education.
Roof Replacement for Chipaj Schools
The village of Chipaj approached United by Friendship during our 2022 trip, asking us to help sponsor repair and/or replacement of existing roofs. We found roofs in every classroom to be in bad shape, with numerous large holes, allowing rain to drip directly into the classrooms. Even without the leaks, the noise of the rain pounding on the roof is very loud, making it difficult for the 250 students to hear the teacher. We have decided to take this project on, replacing existing rotted beams, providing new corrugated aluminum roofing and add ceilings in each classroom.
Computer Lab for Saquixpec
We are looking to complete one of our more ambitious projects, providing a computer center with internet access to Saquixpec Junior High. The school is located in the Zona Reyna, a rural jungle are with minimal available electricity and direct internet access. Thanks to the efforts of numerous community members and partners, we’ve been able to come up with detailed plans to provide electricity during school hours using a generator and internet access through satellite subscription services. The classroom has been furnished with computers, and is in use already, and we’re working to fully meet our initial commitments, helping lessen the digital divide for students in Saquixpec.
School Kitchens
School kitchens are something that can easily be taken for granted, however, we find many of the school kitchens in rural Guatemala to be woefully inadequate. The kitchens are simple, unprotected shacks with dirt floors where women cook soup on a campfire. There are no stoves, electricity, and most importantly, no ventilation for the smoke. Several communities have requested UbF’s help to construct sturdy hygienic kitchens with cement floors, cabinets, and well-ventilated wood stoves. We are currently working on a number of school kitchens including kitchens for village schools in Joya Larga, San Jose Lote 19 and Santa Ana.
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