During a conversation between Mae Ard\u00f3n (GoPhil Guatemala Programs Assistant) and Hilda V\u00e1squez (Comunidad La Esperanza Director), Hilda expressed feeling \u201cincredibly worried about the number of students who have reported an increase in violence in their homes since the pandemic began.\u201d <\/span>CLE students normally live in households with limited economic resources and several reported experiencing violence long before the pandemic began. With family members losing jobs, the overall stress of the pandemic and a high prevalence of alcoholism, this situation has become much worse. An important focus of CLE\u2019s Emergency Response Project was to offer in-person psychological support and attention to students and families that experience domestic violence in the home.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nTwo passionate CLE teachers participated in the Emergency Response Project and shared their thoughts.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
CLE professor, Benjamin Coti, reflected:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\u201cParticipating in this initiative made us think about everything we have and that which we take for granted. The process made me more human, seeing the needs of so many people, who because of the pandemic were left without work and are struggling to get ahead. It was moving to see people\u2019s gratitude for these bags of groceries, which I call \u2018Bolsas de Esperanza\u2019 (Bags of Hope<\/em>), since for many families they represented a small spark of hope.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Equity is a core and guiding principle at Comunidad La Esperanza, a school which believes all children deserve a chance (and a second chance where needed) to succeed.<\/span><\/p>\nCLE passionately believes that with sufficient investment, knowledge, encouragement and role models to look up to, the children of Chimaltenango can and will transform their community.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
CLE teacher, Rosy Martinez, shared:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\u201cThe experience was very enriching. We are going through a new situation for everyone, which has not been easy. It filled me with joy to see the boys welcome us with a big smile. It was very difficult to not greet them as usual with a hug or a kiss on the cheek, but despite this we were able to share a smile and a nice moment together. I am grateful because we were able to see most of the young people we work with and we motivated them to stay strong and keep going.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nWhen I was on the road returning home, I was reminded of a phrase that goes: <\/span>\u2018The hands that give with love never return empty\u2019.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\nI thank all of the people who made these contributions to help our students.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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The Emergency Response Project at Comunidad La Esperanza has been integral not only in providing basic food supplies, but also in allowing CLE staff to check on the wellbeing of CLE students. We extend our immense gratitude to the GoPhil donors and community for providing resources and support to make this endeavor possible.<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>
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