Earthquake Doesn't Shake AWBo -Guatemala'ers Resolve to Serve

Day six – our third day of service! So, through this blog, we are hoping to tie our day of service to the larger issue of our trip: sustainable development.

Right now there is an independently-run primary school based on an innovative method called “ERA” Escuela Rural Area—Rural Area School. Because there isn’t a large population and the community can’t afford to hire multiple teachers, they use this system—based on group learning—in which a teacher manages one classroom with multiple class levels.

Our thoughts…This community wouldn’t be sustainable without the current education system because (1) without the initiative of Los Andes education wouldn’t be possible due to the limited access – so families can stay in this area and educate their children, (2) Los Andes is educating their future workers. Education is not affordable for most residents of Los Andes – currently only three students are attending a university. Surprisingly, students are grouped together in the school system. If one student falls behind, the entire group does not progress – forcing students to work together and support each other. This system is very different from the U.S. Los Andes portrays a deeper collectivist attitude than what we are accustomed.

During Playground Construction: Day 3, we worked finished building and stained the fence, began construction of the sliding board and started chipping away the old and painting in the new! As always, we enjoyed the opportunity to work closely with our Guatemalan team leaders.

At the end of the day, we looked out on the ravine beyond the playground and were basically staring at clouds at eye-level. The earthquake earlier in the day; the exotic plants and flowers all around us. The beauty and newness of Guatemal heightens our sense of being alive. However, for the community this is normal. Back home we ourselves are not paying attention to these beautiful details around us. We hope to recognize them more when we return home.

As our journey continues – four days left- we can only hope that our sense of community involvement, and desire for social change does not end here in Guatemala. Hopefully, our drive continues as we head back to College Park where we can make our service sustainable.