Community Improvement Project in Guatemala

Background

• The town is located in the jungle of Guatemala, facing extreme tropical storms.
• Residents frequently rebuild homes due to harsh conditions.
• Contrast with Guatemala City, which has better infrastructure and job opportunities.

Initial Contact

• TECHO organization was contacted for assistance after previous work in Costa Rica.
• Goal: Help save the community from destruction.
• Darren traveled to Guatemala to assess the situation.

Challenges Faced

• Difficult access to Chuisiguán village; Darren chartered a plane and walked through the jungle.
• Local families struggle to generate income due to distance from city markets.
• Alberto, a father of eight, makes only $2/day selling fabrics in the city.
• Family shares a single bedroom; houses are rudimentary with dirt floors and no electricity.
• Lack of access to fresh drinking water.

Plans for Improvement

• TECHO and volunteers planned to construct 15 new homes over four days.
• New houses to include:
  • Solar panels for electricity
  • Sanitation systems
  • Concrete flooring
  • Wood-burning stoves
  • Rain-harvesting systems for water collection

Volunteer Efforts

• Over 50 volunteers arrived to assist with construction.
• Building supplies had to be carried to the site due to poor roads.
• Construction goals included installing plumbing and irrigation systems.

Completion and Celebration

• Houses were finished just in time for a surprise reveal to the families.
• Community members expressed excitement and gratitude for the new homes.
• New infrastructure will provide more opportunities for families.
• Improvements will allow children to study at night and reduce maintenance time during storms.

Future Plans

• Additional construction of a community center for:
  • Classrooms to expand educational opportunities.
  • Training workshops for job skills.

Sponsorship and Philanthropy

• Dragon City sponsored the project and is hosting a Philanthropy Week Challenge.
• Donations will support TECHO's efforts to build shelters in Latin America.

Conclusion

• The community opened their homes and hearts to the volunteers.
• Emphasis on positivity and support in the community.
• Encouragement to subscribe for further support in helping others.