Today was our last distribution - 460 bedkits. It was a very well organized event that took place about an hour and a half from our hotel in a town called Cuyuta.
There were many sugar cane fields and banana tree farms along the way. There were also beautifully arranged fruits and vegetables in roadside kiosks and, in contrast, just as many abandoned old cars and trucks and automotive parts along the way.
With the price of gas being about 5 CAD per litre, one understands why there were so many motorcycles on the road . . . competing to lead the way.
We arrive to a school yard filled with eager children (and mostly mothers) greeting us with Canadian flags.
Beautiful floral arrangements decorated the distribution area.
The SCAW team was introduced to Guatemala’s national bird - the quetzal.
It was a very hot day and the volunteers worked very hard. Tents protected the children who patiently waited their turn. Bottled water was distributed non-stop to keep children and adults well hydrated. Fruit was also provided.
There are 700 students at this 2 storey school but no running water.
A fun challenge for SCAW volunteers today was to prepare 58 students for a single picture. We were very thankful for a long staircase located in the shade where all the children were carefully placed and photographed.
On the ride back to the hotel, a welcome but loud thunderstorm cooled the air.
May the dear children we saw today sleep well and wake rested tomorrow morning after their first night on their cotton-filled mattresses.
Team Guatemala, 2024
Seeds of Innovation for Sustainable Development 🇬🇹 and SCAW 🇨🇦