Mudslides have destroyed the humble abodes of twenty families in Chaquijyá. Why them? Why now? I feel the instant desire to scoop everyone off of their mud-caked feet and take them all to an easier place. Back in Guatemala, my heart has again begun to bleed and ooooh how that frustrates me sometimes. Frustrated because I do not have the time to turn into a rich-country, guilt-stricken wallower (new word). I think we have all seen enough of the depressing “I care” photos. While these have proven to be a successful marketing tactic for aid, they divert attention from a more functional agenda. Yes, monetary aid is good, and necessary, but it solves little. It’s another Band Aid; keeps things from falling apart.
Aid has become political, and somehow nearly all sides see the worst in it. Right-wingers see aid as a sort of international welfare contingency that serves the indolent, while left-wingers see aid as a means to support helpless victims. It’s all in perception. Two things I know for sure: they aren’t lazy, and we must stop treating them as victims. Sure, they’re victims of economic malfunction, but that does not mean that they cannot be an integral part of the solution.
I just finished a book called The Bottom Billion by Paul Collier, and he agrees: “we cannot rescue them. The societies of the bottom billion can only be rescued from within. In every society of the bottom billion there are people working for change, but usually they are defeated by the powerful internal forces stacked against them. We should be helping the heroes.” Hoorah asset-based development!
In Chaquijyá, the latter is a reality. Our heroes are the fourteen dedicated, young members of AsoAtitlán – an organization of the community, for the community. Kat, Dana, and I continue to realize a need to provide Manna programs for these heroes, not just young children. The internal force stacked against them is fondos, Spanish for funds. In many developing countries, convincing an indigenous population that continued education is invaluable proves a daunting task, most often for good reason (long story, won’t go into it now). But the convincing is not the issue in Chaquijyá. Most students here who wish to continue their education -- even past sixth grade -- cannot due to expenses. It costs between $75 - $100 per year; buildings need to be maintained, teachers paid, books purchased. If only we could offer every student a scholarship to attend high school… and then carrera… and then college… Somehow the families need a way to generate more income. Microcredit anyone? I need to think on it some more.
In other news, while in Panajachel I managed to have a bar tender change the channel from 80s music videos to the blackhawks game just in time to see us win in overtime…priceless.
For more detailed updates on our day-to-day proceedings, check out Manna’s blog as well
www.mpiguatemala.blogspot.com
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