Notes from the Field
Check out the latest posts on our blog.
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New Video Footage
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Check out these new photos from photographer Eric Stone, who visited our Antigua site earlier this month.
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Did You Know?
Last year, Common Hope's first graders advanced to the next grade at a rate of 78 percent, beating the national average of 66 percent by a wide margin.
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Did You Know?
Last year, Common Hope's seventh graders advanced to the next grade at the rate of 75 percent, surpassing the national average of 50 percent by an even wider margin than first graders (see above).
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| Most Needed Supplies |
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JULY
Arts and Craft Supplies
AUGUST
School Supplies
SEPTEMBER
School Supplies
See details
of supply needs here.
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Greetings!
Byron Hernandez needs a Sponsor, school supplies are headed to Guatemala, an occupational therapy field school comes to Common Hope, Best Buy and the Chicago Fire team up to support students in Guatemala ... Read on to learn more about the latest news from Common Hope.
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Meet future teacher Byron Hernandez
 Fifteen-year-old Byron Hernandez is studying in the 5th grade and would like to be a teacher when he grows up. He has six siblings that all live in the same household, and their home is of meager means: a dirt floor, wood burning stove, three beds for nine family members, one bicycle for transportation, a latrine, and water from a public faucet.
Because Byron is much older than his fellow 5th graders, studies show that he is much more likely to drop out. A Sponsor can be particularly important for students like Byron, to provide the encouragement they need to persevere.
If you, a friend, or family member can sponsor Byron and provide that extra vote of confidence, please contact Jessie via email or call her at (651) 917-1045.
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School supplies on their way to Guatemala, thanks to you and our partner Hope Haven
Some of you may know that we have had challenges over the past several  years getting regular shipments to Guatemala. Yet this summer, four pallets filled with school supplies were packed up and shipped to Sioux Falls, on their way to Guatemala. The stock of supplies was assembled thanks to all of you who have diligently collected and delivered them to the US office. The shipment was made possible by a partnership with Hope Haven International Ministries, a nonprofit based in Sioux Falls, SD. Hope Haven provides opportunities for people with disabilities in countries and cultures around the world. Their Guatemala facilities are based in Antigua, so they are a great partner for getting our supplies down.
We are grateful to Val Brummel, Ministry Coordinator, Mark Richard, Director of Operations, and everyone at Hope Haven for their help in getting the school supplies to Guatemala. And we are grateful to all of you for collecting supplies.
Click here for details about our July supply drive. |
"The Weight of the World"
 The first week in July, Tamalyn Gutierrez, Country Director, gave a presentation called "The Weight of the World" at the Latin American Heritage Camp in Fraser, Colorado. She talked about the physical and cultural weights that the women of Guatemala carry. Some things are similar to those we carry in the States, she explained, and some are very different. Read more... |
Occupational therapy students and faculty begin early childhood initiative
Students and faculty from the occupational therapy field school of the National Association for the Practice of Anthropology (NAPA) arrived in Antigua last week to begin an initiative with our social workers. The group will provide Common Hope social workers with a six-week training on early childhood stimulation techniques to share with families and new methods for measuring progress in child development.
NAPA represents a number of US universities, including the following schools participating in the Common Hope initiative: University of New Mexico, St. Louis University, Colorado State University, San José State University, and the University of Southern California. It is a wonderful opportunity for our staff to learn new skills and a great way to focus with families on one of the greatest keys to success in school, early childhood development.
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The Chicago Fire and Best Buy team up to support Common Hope You may have read on our blog about the surprise that the Best Buy Vision Team had in store for kids at the Antigua site. The team organized a special soccer event, which included a video appearance by Marco Pappa, a native Guatemalan and now a Major League Soccer player with the Chicago Fire. The Vision Team also presented the kids with two Chicago Fire jerseys signed by Pappa. One jersey went Reyna, the winner of a penalty kick contest, while the other will hang at the Antigua site.
Now back home, Best Buy and the Chicago Fire are continuing their support for students in Guatemala. At their July 11 game, the announcer mentioned Common Hope and described our work. Common Hope supporters received discounted tickets for the game, and Common Hope was invited to have an information table encouraging Chicago Fire fans to get involved.
Thanks to Best Buy, the Chicago Fire, and Marco Pappa for your support of students in Guatemala!
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"Patterns of Colorful Lives" opens July 20 at the Loggia in downtown Chicago
 Our friends and supporters at Fourth Presbyterian Church in downtown Chicago are hosting "Patterns of Colorful Lives," an exhibit of Guatemalan huipiles (traditional Mayan blouses) and beautiful photos of Guatemala. The elaborate designs and patterns on huipiles convey the wearer's village, marital status, and personal beliefs. The photos were taken by Buck Holzemer and Patti Petrich of Buck Holzemer Productions.
The exhibit opens July 20 and runs through mid-September at the Loggia, 126 Chestnut St., the second oldest building on Michigan Ave. north of the Chicago River. Hours are Wednesdays-Saturdays 11am-4pm, Sundays 8am-7pm, closed Mondays and Tuesdays. |
Thanks to Boy Scout Troop 102
Boy Scout Troop 102 in Edina, MN, pictured here at their summer camp, organized a huge delivery of school supplies to Common Hope at the end of the school year. The 13 scouts and four
adult leaders collected 32 boxes of supplies from 10 elementary schools -- notebooks, pencils, pens, and much more. Thanks to everyone at Troop 102 for your support and hard work! |
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Help support a young artist
Our July need of the month is arts and crafts supplies:
 - colored pencils (12 packs)
- scissors
- watercolor paint (6 or 12 colors)
- molding clay (10 color)
- masking tape (1" or 2").
Your supply collections help Common Hope to provide opportunities for students and families in Guatemala while saving thousands of dollars, which can be directed to other pressing program needs. Thank you! Help us reach our goal. |
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Attention Twin Cities: spread the word about August photo display at Trotter's
 Trotter's Café and Bakery in St. Paul is
supporting Common Hope by displaying photos of students that need Sponsors and information about sponsoring a child. Support Common Hope and a socially-minded local business by enjoying lunch, a cup of coffee, or dinner and a glass of wine along with beautiful photos of Guatemalan children. And tell your family and friends!
The display runs August
2-30 at Trotter's Cafe and Bakery, 232 Cleveland Ave.
N., St. Paul, at the intersection of Cleveland and Marshall Avenues.
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