In the works
Un prospero ano nuevo.....
Exciting things are in the works! We are finding that running a non-profit is a process, a work in progress. One thing leads to another which opens up something else which give us a new idea....well, you see how it is.
We are working on acquiring newish, good condition laptops to take to San Cristobal this coming summer. Six would be a good number to start. I just sent off our first grant dealing with that...I'm sure it'll be the first of many. It would be helpful if the women in the cooperative could have access to a computer in their villages, for both practice and educational purposes.
The first preliminary questions are being asked about getting eye care and glasses to the women. Education can't take place without sight. Many women have damaged eyes due to the ever present smoke in the houses, and hours cooking tortillas. As they have no access to health care and no funds, eye exams are not an option. This is an exciting tangent to our goal of providing educational opportunities.
We have been invited to visit a village in northern Guatemala ("we" being board members and members of the cooperative) to participate in a leadership workshop on women's rights. This is quite exciting. Logistically it is a challenge, as the Guatemala village is remote, and we'd have to coordinate dates, transportation, etc, but the idea is wonderful and it would be such a privilege to share this kind of experience.
The two trips to Chiapas this summer are in the planning stage as well. For more information please contact me at mujeres@olypen.com .
And, last but not least, soon we will have the news about how many girls that are finishing their primary education will apply for scholarships from us so they can continue at the secondary level. Our scholarships not only pay for school expenses, they pay for room and board if the girl has to board in another town. Most small villages have no secondary school. Moreover, if the girl is actively contributing to the family income, we will offer a stipend back to her parents so they will not be losing money by allowing her to continue her education.
So....that's what is in the works.
We'll keep you posted.
Peace, Judith
Exciting things are in the works! We are finding that running a non-profit is a process, a work in progress. One thing leads to another which opens up something else which give us a new idea....well, you see how it is.
We are working on acquiring newish, good condition laptops to take to San Cristobal this coming summer. Six would be a good number to start. I just sent off our first grant dealing with that...I'm sure it'll be the first of many. It would be helpful if the women in the cooperative could have access to a computer in their villages, for both practice and educational purposes.
The first preliminary questions are being asked about getting eye care and glasses to the women. Education can't take place without sight. Many women have damaged eyes due to the ever present smoke in the houses, and hours cooking tortillas. As they have no access to health care and no funds, eye exams are not an option. This is an exciting tangent to our goal of providing educational opportunities.
We have been invited to visit a village in northern Guatemala ("we" being board members and members of the cooperative) to participate in a leadership workshop on women's rights. This is quite exciting. Logistically it is a challenge, as the Guatemala village is remote, and we'd have to coordinate dates, transportation, etc, but the idea is wonderful and it would be such a privilege to share this kind of experience.
The two trips to Chiapas this summer are in the planning stage as well. For more information please contact me at mujeres@olypen.com .
And, last but not least, soon we will have the news about how many girls that are finishing their primary education will apply for scholarships from us so they can continue at the secondary level. Our scholarships not only pay for school expenses, they pay for room and board if the girl has to board in another town. Most small villages have no secondary school. Moreover, if the girl is actively contributing to the family income, we will offer a stipend back to her parents so they will not be losing money by allowing her to continue her education.
So....that's what is in the works.
We'll keep you posted.
Peace, Judith
Labels: english
posted by Judith at
8:19 PM
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