International Report: Santa Barbara Serves in Guatemala

Posted by Submitted by Bill Dutton 
on Apr 12, 2015
 
Members from the Rotary Club of Santa Barbara Downtown shared a report from their international service trip to Guatemala. The late February trip marks the club's second year visiting NGO Mayan Families in Panajachel in the highlands of Guatemala.
 
Here's some of what they did: 
  • built 8 ONIL stoves in Mayan homes
  • installed 7 water filters and stands, which should last 10 years
  • provided 2 pilas, or large sinks
  • donated food baskets for 10 families in addition to 100 pounds of corn for 3 families
  • delivered stuffed animals and medical supplies
  • gave a bed and a wardrobe cabinet to a family in need
View a video of their trip here, and read more to learn more about this service project and the dates for the 2016 trip. 
 
Trip participants included Bill Dutton, Dan Herlinger, Steve Petersen, Dick Salogga, Dot Salogga, Michael Self, John Self, and Dan’s daughter Becky.
 
The project was made possible by a $3,000 donation from the club's foundation.
 
These facts speak to the need for service:
  • 30% of all Guatemalan adults are illiterate
  • 53% of indigenous Mayan students do not complete primary education
  • Almost half of all Guatemalan children are chronically malnourished
Steve Peterson said that he and two other the club members, Dan Herlinger and Michael Self, have sponsored students, and some of the projects were held at their families' homes. Sonia, Steve’s sponsored child, lost her father during this past year before completing a new home for the family. So the Rotarians did an extra repair project at that home.
 
The club partners with the Upper Arlington Rotary Club, whose members have sponsored many students in school. In fact, the club was responsible for developing a preschool and junior high in the town of Tierra Linda. 
 
In 2016, the project trip will be from February 20 – 28. Rotarians interested in learning more about the club’s projects in Guatemala may contact Bill Dutton or the other team members.