Semana de Servicio 2009

Every year, MCC Guatemala/El Salvador hosts an activity called Semana de Servicio for youth from both countries. This is an exciting opportunity for local young people to experience a mini-work and learn tour in hopes of promoting: personal reflection, faith and cultural exchange, open spaces for dialogue around issues that are affecting youth in the region, the importance of Christian service and peace building in each individual's community.

This year's event was held in Nebaj in the Quiche department of Guatemala, a region populated by the Ixil people and an area that suffered greatly during the armed conflict here in Guatemala. Some 40 young people from 8 different partner organizations participated in three days of work, reflection, and fun, helping Q'anil paint their new building and providing some other general clean-up services to the organization (i.e. moving buckets and buckets of dirt, something I know many of you are familiar with from your time in Guatemala!)

Thank you to Chris and Erin for the pictures!

What are we doing down here? Part II

Part two in our series of blog posts that highlight the interesting and exciting programs that make up MCC Guatemala and El Salvador, all of which work at community development through EDUCATION, RELIEF, and PEACE and JUSTICE initiatives. Stay tuned for more highlights next month!

Community Development through
CAPACITY BUILDING


Cooking activity with women's group in Metapan, El Salvador


Working with youth in Metapan, El Salvador

Relief Work through:
GENERATION AT RISK PROGRAMS


Partner organization, ANADES, works on issues of gender equality and sexual health in El Salvador


Teaching families in El Salvador how to make jewelry, part of ANADES's program supporting those living with HIV/AIDS



Sexual health and responsibility workshop in Nebaj with partner organization Q'anil

Relief Work through
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE


In areas such as San Marcos and Panabaj, MCC has supported disaster response through the building of minimal dwellings and through programs that focus on psycho-social recovery after disasters. You can read more about the emergency response in El Salvador in last month's post.


Path of mudslide in San Marcos as a result of Hurricane Stan


Evacuation route for school in San Marcos