Rotary Ulverstone West

Breaking News!!
This project has been successful in its application for Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) inclusion.
A team of 14 volunteers from the Rotaract Club of Central Coast and the Rotary Club of Ulverstone West,  worked alongside the people of Santiaguito in January 2012. Thank you to all individuals and Service Clubs who have donated funds to assist with the school and community centre maintenance project.
 

Background

In March 2007, President Carrie Smith and Vice President Shelley Johnson, spent time in the village of Santiago Zamora, Guatemala. They were immediately taken aback by the extremely poor living conditions and lack of resources, yet felt such a connection to the place and its people, it left them wanting to do something that would make a difference.

The Project

A group of 12 Mayan women from the village formed an association called ‘Santiagüito’.  Their purpose is to work together on traditional weaving and other products to sell with 100% of the proceeds going back into the community in areas of health and education.

What can we do?

The Rotaract Club of Central Coast are committed to supporting the achievements of the Santiagüito Association by raising funds for items that would greatly benefit the community such as school materials and medical supplies. Rotaract and the Rotary Club of Ulverstone West have joined forces to raise awareness and funds to assist these wonderful women improve the prospects for their children through education and health.

Why?

Santiago Zamora is one of the poorest areas in Sacatepequez state of Guatemala. If it wasn’t for these incredible women, with their strength, commitment and vision the children in the village would have no education or access to medicines. However, despite their amazing efforts the community is still in desperate need of assistance.

Results

In February 2008, Rotaract sent the first installment of funds and with the wonderful assistance and support of the Rotary Club of Antigua, school materials were purchased and presented to the children in the local school.  The funds also provided school registration for 52 extremely poor students who could not afford to attend school. Since then Carrie has revisited the village, accompanied by Ulverstone West Rotary Club president, Jenny Simms. They took with them more funds raised to assist with medical supplies and treatment, as well as continued support for the school. A shelter was also built allowing the women to weave out of the sun and rain, and also sell their wares to tourists, under this shelter.

2009's visit saw Carrie and Jen meet Edgar, a 14 year old schoolboy, who was an amazingly talented artist. Carrie and Jen bought some of his art work from Edgar and brought it back to be displayed and sold in the Rotary ArtEx exhibition. The money raised went directly back to Edgar, his family and his village.

This project helps the women in the village help themselves, and their community.
Through the sale of their exquisite textiles and items they can become self sufficient.
A team of Rotary and Rotaract members will travel back to the village in January 2012. This project has recently met the criteria to be given RAWCS status. Volunteers will work alongside the villagers to paint the school and commuity centre. If you would like to make a donation, please contact us.

A total of $30,000 has been raised so far through the support of our local community and the following clubs and organisations

• Rotary Club of Ulverstone West
• Rotary Club of Devonport North
• Rotary Club Wynyard
• Rotary Club of Hobart
• the Zonta Club
• Rotary Club of Antigua
• Rotaract Club of Guatemala City
• Santiagüito Association
• Casasito Association (www.casasito.org)

This money has built and maintained the 8 classroom school, employed teachers, provided stationery for its students, and assisted with medical support for the community through the visit of a doctor and a social worker once a week, with medical supplies being provided. It has also assisted support the building of a Community Centre.

If you would like to know more about the project or give a donation please contact the Rotaract Club of Central Coast

RAWCS

 Rotary Australia World Community Service
In 2012 our club supported our Rotaract Club gain RAWCS approval for continued support for the Guatemalan Project. Under this RAWCS program,  14 Rotaractors, Rotarians, partners and friends travelled to Guatemala to paint the school, inside and out, provide the 150 students with school books, pens, pencils etc for the school year, and work alongside the community members including the children, with these projects. It was truly a life-changing experience for all involved!

Together – Let’s make a difference!