Our board member, Lois Reimer, will be visiting Guatemala in March to review our programs, to obtain updates on our students, elderly and families, to visit preschools and to visit the elderly lunch program.

The costs for a child to attend public school are well beyond the means of most families. Besides the inscription fee, families are responsible for school supplies, uniforms, books, shoes, transportation and meals.

Sponsoring a child for preschool provides a solid foundation for success when entering the public school system.

We are at the time of year for 2020 for either sponsorship renewal or providing a new sponsorship for a child’s education. Education is key to changing the life of these children and ultimately their families

The rainy season around Lake Atitlan runs from May to September. In an area where many families already struggle to put food on the table, the impact of the rainy season increases their vulnerability.

Our mothers in Guatemala work especially hard. They don’t have days off to relax.

Mayan Families Canada (now Canadian Friends of FundaMaya Association or FundaMaya Canada) has worked closely with our friends in Guatemala for the past 14 years.

What another heartwarming and humbling experience! Having travelled to Panajachel with a Mayan Families Canada group in 2017, my granddaughter and I longed to return.