All photos by Melissa Engle
See more of Melissa's pictures and read the stories of those who represent the other face of immigration here
Learn more about MCC U.S.'s work on this issue here
Monday, June 18, 2012
Migration and Stengthening Local Economies
The MCC Guatemala/El Salvador program is currently working on an advocacy tool-kit that focuses on the following key advocacy areas that we have identified as integral parts of the Connecting Peoples work here:
Migration and Strengthening Local Economies
Violence and Protection for Vulnerable Populations
(see here for more on this topic)
(see here for more on this topic)
Mega-Projects and Respect for Communities and the Environment
In the coming months, we plan to share the tool-kit with you and hope that it will provide you with information and ideas on how you can continue working on these issues in your home communities.
Back in March, we spent time with the Rockway group in the area of Cotzal, Quiche near Nebaj, an experience that impacted me for many reasons, especially considering it was the first time we had taken a group there. Part of the time included connecting with a group of youth who are starting a small, community bakery; by youth, I mean young people - mostly 14 and 15 year old girls and by small, I mean building a brick-oven in a roughly 6 by 6 foot space. Often with these new and small initiatives, one never really knows where they will end up - how much of a long-term impact they will have on these young peoples' lives, and whether or not they will actually become strong enough reasons for the youth to stay in their communities and avoid the temptation to migrate. During Rockway's visit, we shared time with a young man (a boy really) Jacinto, from another community in Nebaj where a similar bakery was started last year and is still going strong. Unfortunately, a few weeks after seeing Jacinto, I found out that he had decided to take the increasingly dangerous trip through Mexico in attempts of making a life for himself in the U.S., without official documents of any kind. Hearing this news hit me like a strong punch in the stomach and I have since been anxious and worried to hear whether or not Jacinto is able to survive the trip (and of course, cannot even imagine the worry of his family). Stories like this, ones in which you are personally connected to the people and places from where these immigrants come, certainly give a new face to the "immigration debate" that is so strong in the north. (Read this reflection by MCC SALT participant, Kelly, for another look at this debate) These kinds of stories also continue to reinforce the need for small initiatives, like these community bakeries, in Guatemala and other parts of Central America. More and more young people will continue to leave their home communities and migrate if they do not have viable economic and educational opportunities that give them a reason to stay. Even though there are young people like Jacinto, who decided to leave even though there is such a project in his community, there are more and more young people that haven't left because of these same projects. In now three different communities in the Nebaj/Cotzal area, there are small, youth-led projects that are flourishing, projects that are giving youth hope in themselves and in the futures that are possible without migration.
up and running stove that Rockway helped build (Cotzal)
bread-making workshop and new flyer advertising their products (Cotzal)
small store that will be part of the bakery in Jacinto's community (Nebaj)
MCC U.S.is planning a learning tour to Guatemala in early October that will focus on immigration and the importance of these types of projects; visit here to learn more about the "Alternatives to Migration" Learning Tour.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Violence and Protection for Vulnerable Populations
Just last night while skimming through the newspaper, two major headlines screamed out to me:
This is the reality of violence here and in many parts of the world. Violence; that word we hear and use so often without even really being able to humanize it. Stark statements like these help us to start feeling more what this reality of violence means, but even more so, personal connections that many of you have had here with these same youth and these same Central American migrants. Surely you have not forgotten your experiences in San Marcos working and sharing with a community where 70-80% of the male population has spent time migrating and working in either Mexico or the U.S. Or your experiences of meeting the youth of La Linea in San Martin and the fact that they are forced in many ways to chose between participating in the local church or the gangs that thrive in their community, knowing that choosing the gang will lead them to either death or incarceration. Because of these experiences and our new knowledge of these realities that people we have met and interacted with face EVERY DAY, I am convinced that issues like violence and the root causes of them are now our issues (and have been for a long time even if we were unaware of it before). These types of revelations bring into the spotlight the great importance of educating ourselves more about these root causes and finding ways to combat them. After last night's reading of the newspaper, it was more than appropriate that I would, today, find out about an International Arms Trade Treaty that is to be discussed at a UN conference that begins in 48 days; a treaty that is key to helping address this issue of violence that we are all connected to. You can read more about this and MCC's support of the treaty at the Latin American Advocacy blog. There you will also find out about an organization called "Control Arms" that is advocating for an "international legally-binding agreement that will stop transfers of arms and ammunitions that fuel conflict." Realizing that people (myself included) leave their experiences here feeling overwhelmed and useless in the face of so many complicated things, this is an exciting and active way that we can all really DO something that may help. I firmly believe that once you are personally connected to an issue, like you are now connected to the families in San Marcos and the youth in La Linea, you are left with a responsibility to act; this is an opportunity to do just that.
- "One young person dies every day in Guatemala because of violence. From January to April of this year, 125 youth, the majority between the ages of 15-17, have been assassinated."
- "At least 49 mutilated cadavers have been found along a highway in northern Mexico, believed to be Central American migrants, victims of the drug cartel the Zetas."
This is the reality of violence here and in many parts of the world. Violence; that word we hear and use so often without even really being able to humanize it. Stark statements like these help us to start feeling more what this reality of violence means, but even more so, personal connections that many of you have had here with these same youth and these same Central American migrants. Surely you have not forgotten your experiences in San Marcos working and sharing with a community where 70-80% of the male population has spent time migrating and working in either Mexico or the U.S. Or your experiences of meeting the youth of La Linea in San Martin and the fact that they are forced in many ways to chose between participating in the local church or the gangs that thrive in their community, knowing that choosing the gang will lead them to either death or incarceration. Because of these experiences and our new knowledge of these realities that people we have met and interacted with face EVERY DAY, I am convinced that issues like violence and the root causes of them are now our issues (and have been for a long time even if we were unaware of it before). These types of revelations bring into the spotlight the great importance of educating ourselves more about these root causes and finding ways to combat them. After last night's reading of the newspaper, it was more than appropriate that I would, today, find out about an International Arms Trade Treaty that is to be discussed at a UN conference that begins in 48 days; a treaty that is key to helping address this issue of violence that we are all connected to. You can read more about this and MCC's support of the treaty at the Latin American Advocacy blog. There you will also find out about an organization called "Control Arms" that is advocating for an "international legally-binding agreement that will stop transfers of arms and ammunitions that fuel conflict." Realizing that people (myself included) leave their experiences here feeling overwhelmed and useless in the face of so many complicated things, this is an exciting and active way that we can all really DO something that may help. I firmly believe that once you are personally connected to an issue, like you are now connected to the families in San Marcos and the youth in La Linea, you are left with a responsibility to act; this is an opportunity to do just that.
Photo by Melissa Engle for MCC's A Common Place; read about Gustavo's immigration story here
Youth from the Iglesia Bautista Discipulos de Cristo in San Martin; click here to read and see more pictures on their blog
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
In the spotlight: San Marcos
As some of you may know, the programs in San Marcos were recently featured in MCC's magazine A Common Place. This was an exciting opportunity to highlight the positive things that are happening there; things many of you have played a role in shaping in either big or small ways.* We encourage you to take the time to read the stories and reconnect to this part of the world as expressed in A Common Place Spring edition!
The issue of gold mining is something that is easily associated with San Marcos, and again, something that many of you have been able to learn about first hand during your visits here. News reports of the conflict that exists around these types of mega-projects abound in both Guatemala and other parts of the world (see here and here). I was recently given a book entitled "Damned Nations" which I would highly recommend reading if you are interested in digging even deeper into these issues; see here for an analysis of this book by Canadian author Samantha Nutt.
It is our hope that as participants in Connecting Peoples service learning experiences, you continue to stay connected to your experience here once you return home. It is always encouraging to read reflections like this one from Enlace 2011 participant, Emma Nussli, which serves as a reminder of the long-term impact of these types of experiences. One of the CP program goals for this year is to put together an advocacy tool-kit that will provide you with concrete information and tips on how to advocate around the complicated issues you were exposed to while here; please stay tuned for more on that in the coming months. Also, in our desire to support friends' projects, another way you could stay connected to Guatemala and San Marcos is to consider returning for a longer visit and possibly studying Spanish at El Migrante Spanish School, a new language school right in the heart of San Marcos. And, for one final reflection on San Marcos and the work of MCCer Nate Howard, watch "Guatemala: Assisting farmers, empowering communities".
*The recent University of Saskatchewan group was the very first group to spend a night in the tourist cabaña in La Vega del Volcan, something many of you have supported the construction of. Pictures coming soon of this exciting moment in the La Vega co-op's history! Likewise, the local tourism management board in Sibinal, San Marcos has started a campaign to attract more tourist to the area, promoting visits to La Vega and the projects there. Their website is under construction but is yet another sign of the positive development happening in the area.
The issue of gold mining is something that is easily associated with San Marcos, and again, something that many of you have been able to learn about first hand during your visits here. News reports of the conflict that exists around these types of mega-projects abound in both Guatemala and other parts of the world (see here and here). I was recently given a book entitled "Damned Nations" which I would highly recommend reading if you are interested in digging even deeper into these issues; see here for an analysis of this book by Canadian author Samantha Nutt.
It is our hope that as participants in Connecting Peoples service learning experiences, you continue to stay connected to your experience here once you return home. It is always encouraging to read reflections like this one from Enlace 2011 participant, Emma Nussli, which serves as a reminder of the long-term impact of these types of experiences. One of the CP program goals for this year is to put together an advocacy tool-kit that will provide you with concrete information and tips on how to advocate around the complicated issues you were exposed to while here; please stay tuned for more on that in the coming months. Also, in our desire to support friends' projects, another way you could stay connected to Guatemala and San Marcos is to consider returning for a longer visit and possibly studying Spanish at El Migrante Spanish School, a new language school right in the heart of San Marcos. And, for one final reflection on San Marcos and the work of MCCer Nate Howard, watch "Guatemala: Assisting farmers, empowering communities".
MCC photo Melissa Engle
http://acommonplace.mcc.org/acp/2012/04_06/cover_story.html
*The recent University of Saskatchewan group was the very first group to spend a night in the tourist cabaña in La Vega del Volcan, something many of you have supported the construction of. Pictures coming soon of this exciting moment in the La Vega co-op's history! Likewise, the local tourism management board in Sibinal, San Marcos has started a campaign to attract more tourist to the area, promoting visits to La Vega and the projects there. Their website is under construction but is yet another sign of the positive development happening in the area.
many thoughts
As you have probably realized, our "monthly" updates don't happen as monthly as we would hope, but we assure you we have good excuses for these delays! Since March, we have been busy hosting groups from Rockway, the University of Saskatchewan, and Rosthern Junior College. There are many thoughts, experiences, and reflections to share, but for now, a few images from Rockway's visit with more details to come VERY SOON!
Rockway was the first group to start working on ANADESA's new land, where one day their community and education center will be built! (Thank you to U of S and RJC for also helping clear coffee trees, rocks, and many, many bags of trash from the property!)
Rockway also connected with a variety of youth initiatives in Cotzal near Nebaj, Quiche, one of which is working at starting a small chicken farm. Looks like the chickens were happy with their new home and have already started using it!
Thank you to Lindsay, Toby, and Yasmin for sharing these pictures
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
A different view
Just in case you need a reminder of what Guatemala looks like, or a little sneak preview of what you'll see when you visit us, enjoy these shots taken in the areas of Nebaj and San Marcos.
thank you to Bernie Burnett and the Rockway 2011 group for the pictures!!
NEBAJ
thank you to Bernie Burnett and the Rockway 2011 group for the pictures!!
NEBAJ
SAN MARCOS
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
A glimpse
In last month's post, we shared about the culture of violence that is present in many countries in the region. Although this can be a difficult topic to focus on, often leaving one feeling discouraged, there are small things happening that cast a more positive light on the situation. One of those things is the work that SALTer, Maria Steinman, is involved in at ANADES, an MCC partner in El Salvador. Maria works at Centro Hogar, a preschool/daycare program ran by ANADES that serves low-income families from some of the more marginalized areas of San Salvador, areas that know very well what this culture of violence feels like. Maria gives us a glimpse into this reality in this reflection:
"In my blog post in January, I talked about all the sadness and pain I have seen and experienced here in Central America. Some days can be more overwhelming than others. But I was very glad when the kids came back to school because they are something that gives me joy every day. Even though these little kids have been born into a context of severe poverty and violence, when I see them running and playing and laughing and smiling with their friends or another one of the teachers, it gives me hope. The cards (and statistics) are stacked up against them, but when I see their beautiful smiles and the spark in their eyes, I see hope: they are still innocent, loving babies, and it could be their generation that changes the culture of violence and machismo, that has plagued El Salvador for far too long. Or at least I choose to hope and believe this, because if I didn't, there would be no point of me being here, volunteering with MCC and ANADES, 2 NGO's (non-governmental organizations) that are working for peace and justice and a better future here in El Salvador. By coming to the day care/pre-school, and receiving nutritious breakfast and lunches daily, as well as lots of love and affection and a good education, the children are getting a better start to their life. I am constantly so impressed by the work my co-workers do, despite the limited staff and resources we have here. We just have to hope that although we can't be with these kids as they grow up into teenagers and then adults, that we are doing the best that we can with them now. And the parents as well, although some of them associated with the gangs, are also doing the best they can for their kids, despite the very difficult context they grew up in, and continue to live in." To learn more and see pictures of Maria's experience in El Salvador, visit here.
Another glimpse into this complex issue of violence is provided here, where Toby Roberts, fellow MCCer who has also worked and lived in San Salvador, shares about the various responses to what he calls the "endemic violence in Central America". In other encouraging news, a Guatemalan court recently ruled that past president, Rios Montt, will stand trial for genocide and other crimes committed during the civil war. Rios Montt was president in the early 80's, one of the bloodiest periods of the 36-year long conflict. As explained in this article, the ruling is seen as a triumph in the long struggle against impunity, and a sign of hope that justice may be a bit closer.
"In my blog post in January, I talked about all the sadness and pain I have seen and experienced here in Central America. Some days can be more overwhelming than others. But I was very glad when the kids came back to school because they are something that gives me joy every day. Even though these little kids have been born into a context of severe poverty and violence, when I see them running and playing and laughing and smiling with their friends or another one of the teachers, it gives me hope. The cards (and statistics) are stacked up against them, but when I see their beautiful smiles and the spark in their eyes, I see hope: they are still innocent, loving babies, and it could be their generation that changes the culture of violence and machismo, that has plagued El Salvador for far too long. Or at least I choose to hope and believe this, because if I didn't, there would be no point of me being here, volunteering with MCC and ANADES, 2 NGO's (non-governmental organizations) that are working for peace and justice and a better future here in El Salvador. By coming to the day care/pre-school, and receiving nutritious breakfast and lunches daily, as well as lots of love and affection and a good education, the children are getting a better start to their life. I am constantly so impressed by the work my co-workers do, despite the limited staff and resources we have here. We just have to hope that although we can't be with these kids as they grow up into teenagers and then adults, that we are doing the best that we can with them now. And the parents as well, although some of them associated with the gangs, are also doing the best they can for their kids, despite the very difficult context they grew up in, and continue to live in." To learn more and see pictures of Maria's experience in El Salvador, visit here.
Another glimpse into this complex issue of violence is provided here, where Toby Roberts, fellow MCCer who has also worked and lived in San Salvador, shares about the various responses to what he calls the "endemic violence in Central America". In other encouraging news, a Guatemalan court recently ruled that past president, Rios Montt, will stand trial for genocide and other crimes committed during the civil war. Rios Montt was president in the early 80's, one of the bloodiest periods of the 36-year long conflict. As explained in this article, the ruling is seen as a triumph in the long struggle against impunity, and a sign of hope that justice may be a bit closer.
Either we have hope within us or we don’t.
Hope is a dimension of the soul,
And it is not particularly dependent on some observation of the world.
Hope is an orientation of the spirit,
An orientation of the heart.
It transcends the world that is immediately experienced
And is anchored somewhere beyond the horizons.
Hope
In this deep and powerful sense
Is not the same as joy that things are going well
Or willingness to invest in enterprises that are obviously headed for early success,
But rather
An ability to work for something
Because it is good,
Not just because it stands a chance to succeed.
Hope is definitely not the same thing as optimism.
It is not the conviction that something will turn out well,
But the certainty that something makes sense
Regardless of how it turns out.
It is hope above all, which gives us the strength to love and continually try new things.
Thank you to Maria for sharing this quote from Vaclav Havel, former president of Czechoslovakia, and these pictures from Centro Hogar
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