Visit to Quetzaltenango!

Last weekend, we visited Primeros Pasos, a health organization that works in the rural area of Quetzaltenango. They have a medical clinic, where they see patients on a regular basis. They also have health-related educational programs in the schools nearby. We met with the Development Coordinator there and discussed possible ideas for how we see our sexual education program progressing. In the context of the Mayan indigenous culture, it has been very eye-opening to hear the different opinions on various health topics in our community especially in relation to sex ed. Therefore, it was helpful to exchange our experiences and get feedback on some of our concerns with going ahead with this program. Also, it was really interesting to visit another organization that works in Guatemala, just to see what other NGOs are up to in the region.

Primeros Pasos Clinic in Quetzaltenango

Afterwards, to our surprise, we found a Wal-Mart! We took this opportunity to load up on all the goodies that we've been missing, including some beloved snacks that we miss from home.

Our Wal-Mart haul!

Speaking of delicious treats, we also made a stop at our favorite restaurant where they serve the most delicious sandwich of all time, a caesar salad sandwich! No exaggerations - it is hands down one of the best meals I have ever had and we were so glad to have it again!

Cesar salad sandwich!

Before coming back to Sololá, we sat in the central park with our beverages from one of the best coffeeshops in all of Guatemala (in my opinion) and took in the sights. All in all, it was a relaxing and informative weekend!

Hanging out at the park before leaving

-Ja

New Health Programs

Ja and I have started planning a new sexual and reproductive health education program for the students in Basico (middle school) and also adolescents who do not attend school. In our many meetings with various community groups and leaders last year sex-ed was brought up as a major need in Chaquijyá.

I am really excited about this program, as it finally allows me to use some of my public health and program planning background. This program gives us a great opportunity to work more closely with the community members in planning and executing our programs. As this health initiatives develop, I hope the community will feel like they have ownership of the program, that it is something they have put time and work into, and they can see the effect it has on their community.

We are also very excited about our  intern, Ingrid, with us who will be helping us for the month of January in planning our health programs. She was born here in Guatemala and lived in Solola until she was twelve, when her parents moved their family to Washington State. She is a Junior at Whitworth University and will be doing this internship as part of her school requirements. She is going to be a tremendous help to us in this planning phase as she is native to the area, speaks Spanish and Kaqchikel, and is familiar with the culture.

-Sarah