CEMENT FLOOR PROJECT IN GUATEMALA
Thanks for helping Mayan communities!
Mayan Hands Helps Widows and Their Children
The Mayan Hands cooperative was established in 1989. It was originally formed, in part, to assist Mayan widows (who lost their husbands in the war) and their children. The Civil War in Guatemala lasted 36 years, officially ending in 1996. Massacres and disappearances were common during the war. Several million Guatemalans were either internally displaced or became refugees in other countries, such as Mexico and the United States. The war was particularly devastating for the Mayans, who were targeted. Many of them lost their land as a result of the conflict; over 400 of their villages were destroyed. Of the 200,000 people killed, approximately 80% were Mayans.
How Were the Donations to Mayan Hands Used?
The support was used to help Mayan families obtain cement floors (approximately $350 each), gas stoves ($200), and/or new roofs ($175). Please note that the prices varied depending on the location of each village, as some are more remote than others. We assisteed Mayans in Nahuala and Vasconcelos.
None of the money given toward this project was used for administrative costs. The project was in conjunction with a non-profit organization called Sharing the Dream, which took care of any administrative expenses.
In January 2004 Global Village sent $5700.00 to Mayan Hands
Our first donation included $1600.00 of donations received from our customers by January 17, 2004, as well as $4100.00 of the shop’s proceeds from 2003.
We Reached Our Goal
As of May 2005, we sent a total of $20,000.00 for the Mayan Hands cooperative. We are considering extending this project so that we can help more villages.
How You Helped
Direct Donations : You can gave donations in the form of cash, check, money order and charges. Gift certificates for the project were purchased by many as a means of helping the project and educationg others about the need.
SHARING THE DREAM IN GUATEMALA
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