Hello! Bonjour! Hola! 

Roxanne and I are going to be volunteering in Guatemala at a school for two weeks just after valentines day! This is a great opportunity for us to aid those less privileged than us, and since we have such a great community of people surrounding us, we are extending that opportunity to you! 

First, here are a few statistics about the economic and social climate in Guatemala: Over 50% of the population live below the poverty line, and 15% live in extreme poverty. 43% of children under the age of five are malnourished.

The EFTC is committed to breaking the cycle of poverty by providing education, shelter, food, healthcare and social services to families living in underprivileged rural areas. They are a non-profit organization, welcoming volunteers for a marginal fee. The fee barely covers the cost of food and shelter for the duration of the stay, without charging for the placement with host families or the organization of the volunteer program. Because of this structure, it is difficult to fund larger projects that are so necessary to improving the quality of life of these people. They are looking to rebuild the homes of some of the schoolchildren's families by installing floors, a running water system and rebuilding the walls and the roof. They are also looking to paint the school of Hope as this hasn't been done in eight years. For more information on the program please consult their comprehensive website: http://www.eftc.org.uk/our-work.

Also, here is a great article on the difficult situation faced by many children who are forced to sacrifice their education in order to work menial jobs for very little reward. This is a reality that can be remedied by the improvement of the quality of life, which can be achieved through social welfare programs and education. http://www.theguardian.com/education/2011/mar/08/global-campaign-for-education-guatemala 

Now, the holiday season is upon us, and this is a time of giving! Instead of indulging in the corporate and capitalist side of this holiday, lets give to those who need basic amenities! So please give generously to those who are lacking food, fresh water and education in order to empower them to better their lives, society and culture from the inside out.

Thank you, we love you all!

Veronique et Roxanne