Newsletter – Flor Ayuda USA
When we think about the special events of this past year,
we especially remember our trip to Guatemala to study
the projects of Flor Ayuda, the charitable organization
which Ann’s brother initiated there. Christmas is a time
when we are thankful for the many blessings we have
received and think of those whose needs are so much
greater than ours.
We already told some of you about Flor Ayuda and the
Mayan people it is trying to help in Guatemala, but for
those of you who did not get our initial letter, you can
read details on our Website: www.FlorAyuda.org.
Instead of just updating you about our experiences this
year, we’d like to tell you a little more about these
children.
In addition to the two schools operated by Flor Ayuda
(365 children in the elementary school and 134 in the
VoTech), a new program aimed at the children who are
on the streets and in gangs has been started this year.
The goal is to help as many as 90 children between the
ages of 10 to 15 break away from their gangs each year
and create better lives for themselves and their families.
These children and their families receive additional
training and counseling to help them realize the value of
education.
A small example will suffice. Eduardo was obviously
headed in the wrong direction. Abandoned by his father
when he was young and watching his mother struggle to
work and take care of her four children, he started
skipping school and getting in trouble. An older brother
already involved in a gang was pressuring Eduardo to join
him and there were few reasons not to join. A school
dropout and troublemaker, he had few choices until Flor
Ayuda entered his life.
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Even at the Flor Ayuda VoTech, he was a problem – insolent and lazy, some staff
thought he should be expelled. But the director believed in him and slowly Eduardo
came around. He graduated with a diploma in auto mechanics, and now has a good job
and is helping to pay the tuition for his younger sister.
Recently the government has decided to discontinue health care support for the poor.
As a result the Flor Ayuda operated clinic where they are helped without charge is
inundated. Expert staff is available, but needs to be paid.
The need in this poor and dangerous country is great. This past summer, you probably
saw pictures and stories about the flood of unaccompanied minor children fleeing the
violence and poverty in countries like Guatemala and wondered what you could do.
Here’s something you can do – help these children be safe and successful in their own
country with their own families.
The new school year starts in January. Elementary school tuition is still $250 and for the
VoTech $350 will cover most schooling cost. The two doctors at the clinic are paid $1000
per month. Of course, any amount you may wish to contribute is greatly appreciated.
Every penny of your contribution goes to Guatemala and is of course tax deductible.
Checks should be made out to USCLA (Urban Suburban Catholic Laity Assoc.) with Flor
Ayuda in the memo line.
One last thought. One of our donors has asked to correspond with a student so that
they can get to know each other better. If this is something you might like to try, let us
know. We will find a student for you and provide you with full details of how we will
administer this project.
Finally, let us wish you and yours a very blessed Christmas and best possible wishes for
the coming year. As we used to say in the West Indies: “May you have a prosperous
New Year and many more to enjoy the profits”.
Hans Hermans
For Flor Ayuda USA
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