In Guatemala, we see a school project right through to opening so that on-site construction does not need to continue in our absence. In the year before construction (coinciding with the current year's project) we decide priorities for the next. Part of that decision is a commitment on the part of the village that all participate (and learn) in the construction. We commit to providing plans, material, tools, supplies, direction, training, and a lot of help. They commit to learn, support, and provide general labour.
We feel the formula is good - everyone providing what they can and, when it is completed, they can assume (and have earned) ownership of the school. Of course the building is then a part of their community and becomes so much more than just a school -- a meeting place, community centre, church, and a sense of their community's pride and (new) abilities.
Also, as a school – especially a local school – attitudes toward education change. It becomes important. More children go. And for longer. The children have an opportunity for a foundation that can give them options. Possibilities. In one rural indigenous community, three young people (two boys and a girl) started into high-school in 2009 and are joined by two others in 2011 – the very first from their community to ever have gone on to this level of education.
Furthermore, while not alone, we have helped to embarrass a corrupt and rurally negligent government into (finally) providing more schools in the mountainous north-west -- “If a couple of Canadians can drive down here, build schools in a short period and for a reasonable amount of money, then why can't our own (Guatemalan government) use aid dollars already provided for this purpose to do the same?” That new pressure is making a difference with at least six new schools (still not enough - but a start) under construction by the government this year in the northwest.
We continue to monitor and provide for the needs of the schools we have helped to build. Of course, we still carry down many school supplies, but we also help in the needs of the communities with additional facilities, repairs, scholarships and, in the past, funding some teachers and outings, and a firetruck!
To a lesser extent we have participated, helped, or donated to causes in Calcutta, India; Mexico City, Reynosa and Chihuahua, Mexico; Puerto-Plata, Dominican Republic; and funded scholarships right here at home.
We know that we cannot solve everything. We can make a small difference and pray that it becomes a catalyst for further change.
-- Dave Godmere
