Service Week (a bit less, a bit more)

Every year, MCC Guatemala/El Salvador organizes a Service Week for youth from both countries, offering them an opportunity to learn and serve; kind of a mini-version of what we do with groups from North America. What this "week" really ends up being is 3 days of interacting, learning, and sharing about each others' lives, with a half day of service thrown in for good measure. For many of the youth that participate, it is the first time they have traveled outside of their communities and a unique opportunity to learn about other cultures and traditions within their own country. This year, there were 6 different languages represented between the youth and the MCC workers who participated! It is also an opportunity for these youth to share with each other about the reality of their lives, the work they are doing in their communities, and generally have a good time and inspire each other (and us!) Seeing how motivated and spirited the youth are, how quickly they want to get to know each other, ask questions, laugh, and work together is always impressive; a sign of hope that there are positive things happening in this often difficult context. This year more than others as I observed and spent time with the youth, I was struck with how full of life they are and how much I hope that this spirit of joy and animation can continue to grow in them and their communities. The reality is that often times this can't happen because of the endless complexities and challenges of being a young person in Latin America (see here and here to read more). However, it is encouraging to know that by providing more and more spaces like these days of service, we are doing something, albeit small, to understand the difficult lives these youth are living and to encourage and support them in their processes of change.

this year's event took place in Altaverapaz at Bezaleel School


in addition to working on a painting project, the youth spent time learning about restorative justice and how to incorporate it into their personal lives

visit to lovely park near Carcha


the event ended with a talent show; very funny comic act from youth from Santiago and San Marcos

THANK YOU to Lilian for the fotos