The Manna
Project Guatemala site enjoyed two groups of outstanding spring break
volunteers this March from Vanderbilt University and the University of Georgia.
Vanderbilt
arrived on March 1st with 10 people ready to work. The group set out
to construct (and re-construct in some places) a playground for the local
pre-school in Chaquijyá. They arrived to the school bearing paint, shovels,
and over a dozen tires. Throughout their week-long stay, they added a
teeter-totter, a tire jungle-gym, two brand new swings, and layered the entire
area with grass to protect any niños who might fall while playing. The Parent Committee
of the school matched our efforts by joining us every day to guide and
collaborate with Manna in the construction of the playground. Vanderbilt’s spring
break also coincided with Carnaval, and the group was able to experience all Guatemalan Carnaval festivities – especially
the use (or overuse, some might argue) of “pica pica”, paper confetti. Jack
Suiter, the student leader of the group shared his thoughts on their week-long
experience with Manna Project:
My time as a leader and participant during my time in
Guatemala was as rewarding as it was challenging. I was pushed to extend myself
to new customs, people and places, and enjoyed each minute doing so. Our leaders did an outstanding job in showing us as much of Guatemala as
they could in a single week – I
connected with parents and children at a local school, and learned to shower in
a lake. I would not have wanted my spring break any different, and I hope to
again connect with a new group of people soon, whether that be in Guatemala or
any other place in this wonderful world of ours. – Jack Suiter
Peter Kim, a
Vanderbilt freshman, composed a list of something he “learned” every day while
on-site in Guatemala.
Eight
things I learned in Guatemala (Peter Kim)
Day
1: Transportation in Guatemala for ten people is always cramped
Day
2: Always carry tissue around. ALWAYS
Day
3: Mayan herbs can cure just about any illness
Day
4: Kids LOVE Carnaval
Day
5: The van from day one fits 27 people
Day
6: Nothing makes you more proud than finishing a playground for preschool kids
Day
7: Coconut water is the most refreshing drink when you are dehydrated
Day
8: A last game of Catch Phrase in the airport never hurts.
 |
| The completed playground |
The University
of Georgia and the Parent Committee of another local school collaborated to
paint an entire elementary school a beautiful shade of blue. The group also
gave six sessions of English classes to the students in the school. In between painting and teaching, the group played soccer and basketball with the students of the school. For Christine
Lopez, a UGA freshman, this was her second time as a community volunteer in
Guatemala. She shared her thoughts on her experience with Manna Project.
After visiting Guatemala in 2011, I was very excited to
revisit it this spring break. Of course, I faced some nervousness as I
boarded the plane because I hadn't traveled outside of the country in
several years. However, landing in Guatemala felt like reuniting with an old
friend. As an Early Childhood Education major, I was very excited to work in
the local school. I enjoyed teaching English to a variety of age groups and
working with the kids-- it was good practice for the future! However, I have to
say the highlight of my trip was when I learned more about myself. Two
important realizations came out of this trip: language and nature. I was afraid
that I had lost much of my spanish since coming to college, but I was reassured
in the Guatemalan environment that I was still able to communicate just fine
with the locals. I also realized that I enjoy hiking! I didn't think I would
like it, but I ended up loving climbing at the Reserve and Volcano Pacaya. One
of the highlights of the trip that I've been happy to brag about to my friends
was roasting marshmallows over recently erupted lava rocks. After this trip, I
look forward to the next time I can visit Latin America! -- Christine
Lopez
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| The Committee and the UGA group in front of the newly painted school |
Manna Project
and the community of Chaquiyá in Guatemala are so thankful for the hard work of
both of these fantastic volunteer groups that visited us over spring break! Do
you want the chance to travel to a Manna Project site during a school break?
Contact springbreak@mannaproject.org
for more information.