November 5th, 2008

Students kick off int'l campaign for Guatemala school project with video conference

Participating in a ‘real-time’ discussion between students in Comitancillo, Guatemala and students from across North America is a powerful, powerful thing.

Discussions revolved around everything from globalization to basketball as rural, indigenous Guatemalan youth were exposed for the first time to the wonders of video conference technology. Indeed, it was an incredible and once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunity for all students who participated in the 3rd Annual Video Conference for Hope that took place yesterday November 5, 2008. The event was hosted by Queen Elizabeth High School in Edmonton,Canada.

"What do you learn in school?" asked a grade 4 student from McKernan School in Edmonton. "Did you know that there were elections in the United States and how do you think this will affect Guatemala?" asked a well informed and enthusiastic youth from a school in Ohio, USA. Other students in Dallas, Texas learned the words to a Guatemalan folk song that they sung to the kids in Guatemala, who were both amused and flattered by this overture.

Over the course of eight hours there were many incredible exchanges: Haydi, a 16 year old Guatemalan girl explained the meaning behind each color woven into the traditional clothing from Comitancillo that could be seen on the screen for all. In response to a question from an elementary student in Edson, Alberta, Byron, in his indigenous language of Mam, talked about carrying firewood, looking after animals and carrying water as some of his after-school responsibilities. North American students then learned a few words in Mam and there was much laughter throughout the day.

Emotional moments were plentiful, especially when Guatemalan students explained the long distances they have to walk to attend school and shared that their greatest dreams were to have electricity, running water and a bed.

While the reality of poverty for indigenous children and youth became very real yesterday, so did a true sense of camaraderie, sharing, and joy that abounds when children share their worlds and spend time together; even though they are separated by thousands of kilometers, different languages and diverse cultures,

Each conference session ended with inspirational stories of how each of the schools across North America is using creative fundraising strategies to support the school construction in Comitancillo, Guatemala. One school is doing a Gallons for Guatemala event by filling milk jugs of with spare change to be collected from their school. Another school is selling ginger bread throughout the holiday season.

The Video Conference for Hope is an innovative learning event, and an important opportunity for friendships to be built. On December 3, 2008 all schools will come together again via video conference to share their fundraising successes. A special thank you goes out to Terry Godwaldt-the inspiration behind the event, Terry De Alexandra, John Hindle, Ray Roleau, Angel Martinez, and Polycom.

Change for Children is looking for individuals and organizations who may be interested in matching the donations raised by motivated elementary and secondary students to ensure the school in Comitancillo becomes a reality for the children who need it most. If you would like to donate, please contact: Shelaine@changeforchildren.org

Take the lead of these students and join the fundraising campaign: read more about this new school building project and consider how you might be able to contribute or fundraise as well.

For more information and full program Visit vcforhope.ning.com



The construction of a 4-classroom primary school in a rural community in the municipality of Comitancillo, San Marcos, Guatemala will enable 360 children to attend school in their local community and receive instruction in their own Mayan indigenous language. The school will also serve as a social centre for community events. Comitancillo, Guatemala - inhabited primarily by subsistence farmers, was greatly affected by Hurricane Stan in 2005 and the area is still rebuilding.

The poorly constructed schools that existed prior to the hurricane were badly damaged or destroyed and have yet to be repaired, leaving children without the adequate facilities in which to undertake their studies.

This project works in conjunction with CFCA’s long-time local partner, AMMID, with the support of the Municipality of Comitancillo and with the participation of community members (who will donate labour to build the school) to build a simple, sturdy, bright school so that children can resume their education locally.

Your donations make solutions possible - Please support this important project!