GVI Phoenix Project

Facts and figures

On an annual basis we aim to provide:
First time education or educational reinforcement to almost 2000 children in primary school
Secondary education to over 200 children and adults
Employment to over 75 local people; more-so indirectly
100 energy saving wood-burning stoves and 15,000 trees planted
Around 100,000 teaching hours
Over 500,000 pieces of fruit
1,000’s of pens, pencils, pencil sharpeners, colouring pencils, work-books and erasers
Over 300,000 whole or subsidized meals
Daily education in 16 communities across Latin America
Direct benefits to over 500 families

Friday, April 10, 2009

Semana Santa traditions remain strong in Itzapa, Guatemala

This week in Guatemala, and in the rest of Latin America, Semana Santa, or Easter celebrations, are adherred to, none more so than in Itzapa.

The children in the school, led admirably by Oscar, made alfombras (carpets) made from flowers and spent the next four hours in a procession around the streets of Itzapa, the first time they have ever been able to do this.

The whole scenario was steeped in tradition and culture, with a mixture of Maya and traditional faith and was humbling to be a part of, especially as many mothers joined in.

The procession walked the streets, led of course by the incense and the loud noises made by a wooden instrument, strongly played by Luis after each stop, and also two elders of the community with flute and drum.

Whilst not promoting religion, GVI Phoenix is keen to see local customs and culture preserved, and the ceremony we witnessed was testament to the fact that indigenous tradition and culture is still alive and kicking in Itzapa.