Posted on Jun 24, 2019
Photo above includes representatives from several Rotary Clubs who attended dinner meeting at the Manchester, CT Rotary Club for the Rotary Foundation check presentation.  Sustainable Water and Sanitation Projects in Guatemals through the past thirteen years raised $1,016,788 from 47 Clubs around the country and Canada.
 
Above is the list of villages that have benefited by Rotary Global Grants under the leadership of District 7890 Chair for Water & Sanitation Projects Rick Lawrence.  He is in the process of completing two global grants for the coming year.  The grants will provide materials and supplies for sustainable clean water and sanitation facilities in the Mayan villages of Chajalajya, Simajulehu and Xetonox.  All labor will be provided by the men and women in those communities. 
Rick said that similar work has been completed in 22 villages, bringing potable water into homes, building and installation of 3 part sink, vented latrines, safe stoves with insulated flue pipes and firebox which uses 70% less wood than previous cook stoves.
   
Each household contributes $100.  One person in each village tests water and maintains chlorination.  They have started to install solar panels to help power the generators; otherwise they use diesel-powered generators.  After the installation of these systems, there has been 60% reduction in intestinal diseases, close to 60% reduction in eye infections, 10% reduction in child malnutrition.  The sign above is attached to each system showing the names of the Rotary Clubs participating in this project.
 
Elin & Rick bring many beautiful Guatemalan handmade items - beaded necklaces, bracelets, cloth bags, cloth purses, scarves - to sell here in the U. S.  With the funds collected they purchase school supplies to bring back to Guatemala.  Rick said they usually fill 4 suitcases.  We received a report this past Saturday that all the jewelry has been sold.  Rick and Elin, well done!!!
 
Sinagua, no hay vida     --      Without water, there is no life
 
 
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