February eNews: Students begin new school year

Students have picked up their school supplies and entered their new classrooms for the 2010 school year. Some students are inching closer to their goal of graduation, others are just beginning preschool so they can be better prepared for first grade. Thank you for the part you played in making this possible. Please read on to learn of the latest activities and accomplishments.

Para leer las noticias en español, haga click aqui.

News from Guatemala

Students begin 2010 school year

The 2010 school year has begun in Guatemala, and more than 2,700 affiliated students were ready to go with all of the necessary supplies on their first day, thanks to your support.

In one day alone, nearly 1,400 students and their families visited the Antigua site to pick up their school supplies. The campus had a festive air that day. Pine needles had been strewn on the ground, a traditional decoration for special occasions in Guatemala. The bags filled with colorful notebooks and pencils were lined up for the students' arrival. All staff were on-hand to help with the major endeavor.

For more pictures from school supply day, visit Common Hope's blog.

Photo Caption: The first families arrive at the Antigua site. Pine needles are strewn as a decoration on special occasions in Guatemala.

Future electrician needs a Sponsor

Cesar Sponsoring an older student can be a nice way to support a student with a shorter time commitment. Sixteen-year- old César Martínez has three years left of high school, where he is studying to become an electrician.

César lives near Antigua with his mother, father, and two older sisters. His mother works as a maid and his father is a guard at a local company. About five years ago, Cesar's family earned a fibrolit house through Common Hope. They now plan to work hours to earn a concrete house through Common Hope's partnership with Constru Casa.

If you can contribute $1 or $2 per day to see César through his goal of becoming an electrician, please contact Jessie at (651) 917-1045 or jessies@us.commonhope.org.

Photo: 16-year-old César is in need of a Sponsor.

Supporters in Action

Target visits Antigua site

Staff from Target Sourcing Services in Guatemala City visited the Antigua preschool last Thursday to put on a day of fun with the children.
Target Sourcing Visits
The group brought two piñatas, snacks, and backpacks for all the kids. Renato Westby, Program Development Director and former New Hope Director, spoke about New Hope School and its preschool program, which has received two grants from Target International. Then, the group got a tour of the Antigua site.

All involved had a wonderful time. We hope that one day soon we can host Target at New Hope School, too. Special thanks to our Target friends in Guatemala and the U.S. for your ongoing support!

For more photos of the fun, click here.

Vision Team members in their own words

Several Vision Team members who recently traveled to Guatemala have posted reflections about their experience on Common Hope's blog. George Allen reflected on his experience of building a home for a man named Braulio, who he still remembers now that he's home. Teresa Hermodson-Olsen reflected on her last visit with a sponsored family that is graduating. And Joel Wanner described his memorable visit with his sponsored student Nataly. To read their reflections, click on their names above.

Photo: Joel Wanner visits with his sponsored student Nataly.

You Can Help

Special concert benefit on March 13

Prepare to be entertained at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 13 by vocalist and theatre artist Mary Keepers, who will collaborate with photographer Buck Holzemer to benefit Common Hope. With Mary's cabaret-style music and Buck's stunning photographs of Guatemalan children, the evening will be sure to inspire. A reception will follow the performance.

Mary Keepers and Friends: Singing for a Common Reason! will be held on Saturday, March 13 at 7 p.m. at Mayflower Church, 106 E. Diamond Lake Rd., Minneapolis, 55419. For more information, please contact Mary Gautschi via email or at (651) 917-0243.

Hats, mittens, and scarves needed

Our February need of the month is hats, mittens, and scarves. Living in the highlands of Guatemala in homes made of cornstalk and scrap metal, families can get very cold at night. These warm clothing items help families to stay warm with the temperature dips. Thanks to the Dorcas Needlework Group at Faith Lutheran Church in Albuquerque, NM for sending 126 hats, mittens, and scarves they knitted this month.

Your supply collections help Common Hope to provide opportunities for students and families in Guatemala while saving thousands of dollars that can be directed toward other pressing program needs.

Please help us reach our goal.

Long-term volunteers needed
Common Hope is currently seeking five full-time, long-term volunteers to support our programs in Guatemala. The following positions are yearlong commitments:

Vision Team Coordinator (2 positions, March start date)
Speech Therapist (March start date)
Housing Volunteer (March start date)
Volunteer Physician (June start date)

For more information or to apply, visit our website.