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Student working at his desk in Santa Catarina.
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A thousand words from Guatemala, in photos | Since they say a photo is worth so many words, Common Hope staffer Tom Stukel set about to prove it. He was in Guatemala a few weeks ago and put together a photo essay of his observations. Take a trip to Guatemala this afternoon, and remember why you fell in love with the country in the first place. View photos here...
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Magic Hands was an activity conducted last June to help children process the tropical storm.
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From Antigua to Tokyo | After tropical storm Agatha hit last May, Common Hope psychologists put together a number of activities to help children deal with the trauma. So when the earthquake and tsunami hit Japan, psychologists Felipe Bargur and Flor García were eager to help. They were put in touch with Tokyo-based American School in Japan, which sponsors two children from Common Hope. Flor and Felipe worked to translate their activities and make them culturally transferable, then sent them off to the school.
Flor García, head of Common Hope's Education Support program, says, "it was very satisfying to see how our work here [in Guatemala] can transcend borders." Felipe, Common Hope psychologist, says, "The program helps children express their emotions and thoughts, not verbally but in a more creative way, so as not to force them to talk." He adds, "I would hope these tools will help the kids [in Japan] to express how they feel and improve their resiliency."
We wish children and families in Japan the best as they continue their recovery!
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RSVP date extended for Noche de Colores |
The RSVP deadline has been extended to tomorrow, Tuesday, April 19, for our biennial benefit, Noche de Colores. The colorful event will take place at the Nicollet Island Pavilion in Minneapolis on April 30 and will include a live benefit auction, a Guatemalan market, and a dinner menu with authentic Guatemalan cuisine designed by Le Cordon Bleu chef Amalia Moreno-Damgaard.
Please visit our website to purchase your tickets today, or call Mary Horan at (651) 917-0243.
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Vision Team volunteers from Orinda with Common Hope employee scholarship recipients.
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Orinda team raises funds for employee scholarships |
Roger and Jeane Samuelson just returned from Guatemala, where they and fellow volunteers from Orinda, CA, met with recipients of Common Hope's employee scholarship program. The Vision Team they led raised $11,500 to fund these scholarships in 2011. To watch a video where Roger and Jeane describe how they raised the funds, click here.
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 Aspiring doctor Paula Acajabón needs a Sponsor | |
Paula Acajabón, age 8, likes playing with dolls, the color purple, and she wants to be a doctor when she grows up. She pursues that dream in the 2nd grade at our partner school, Santa Catarina Bobadilla. However, Paula's single mother struggles to afford the expenses associated with education. If you can help Paula stay in school, please contact Jessie Szopinski via email, call (651) 917-0917, or sponsor Paula online today.
Special thanks to the Thurler Family and Patrick Walters for sponsoring our students featured in January and February. Rodrigo Alejandro, featured last month, is also still looking for a sponsor.
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Volunteers on a recent Vision Team.
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Openings for 2011 Vision Teams
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Interested in planning a vacation with a vision yet this year? We have openings for 2011 Vision Teams:
- July 30 - Aug 6
- Aug 6 - 13
- Sep 3 - 10
- Nov 19 - 26
- Nov 26 - Dec 3
Our 2012 calendar is also up on our website. Talk to your friends, family, and co-workers, and start planning your trip of a lifetime.
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More news: Notes from the Field
| Music from Common Hope grads · Antigua youth take a hike · Celebrating International Women's Day.
See these stories and more on our blog, Notes from the field.
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