We have been working alongside our architect and engineer, Pablo and Paola, on building the school and education center BUT we are also bringing sanitation stations (building with shower, toilet, pila/large sink) and houses with bathrooms to the people of Yalu. We believe in helping to set the students and their families up to succeed in what they set out to do. It has been a privilege to partner with this esteemed and charitable-minded architectural group based out of Guatemala City.
The first four classrooms of the school will be completed next week, and the first house and sanitation stations are under construction in Yalu. While every family cannot afford to contribute to funding their home, every family member is invested in the project. Everyone, no matter their age, enthusiastically participates by excavating the land, carrying supplies, mixing cement, and eagerly helping however they can. Their neighbors join in knowing that each house and each sanitation station will be bringing hope to the entire village.
El Amor de Patricia’s commitment to the people of Yalu is unwavering. We want to help them build infrastructure in the community to enhance the living conditions that will empower them to succeed and reach their full potential. We want to lighten their load to make it tenable for the people to think about what they may want in their lives.
Collaborating with the officials of Sumpango and the village leaders of Yalu has been an equally rewarding partnership because they are excited to work with El Amor to position this village in holistic ways that will help the people help themselves. These groups of people are working, together with El Amor, to bring water throughout the entire village. This is what the people want and it is our pleasure to work with these committed people to make this happen.
Since my first visit to Yalu in 2003, I have heard others refer to the village as being hopeless. That is why I chose to collaborate with this impoverished community, so many years ago, to make a difference. I had no idea then what that would look like, but I knew I could not agree with the idea that anyone was hopeless. I am continually in awe of how the staff of El Amor de Patricia, directed by Kahleah Guibault, propels the mission forward EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. I am overwhelmed by our donors, the generous-hearted people who have contributed to help change the trajectory of this small village at the end of a long, winding road in the beautiful rolling hills outside of Sumpango, Guatemala, TO BRING HOPE FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE!
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