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Greetings! Sometimes it's the little things that add up to significant change for a child, a family, or a school. That's the case for Victoriano, a first grader in San Rafael, whose story is shared below. Victoriano is just one of many children who are making great achievements through the consistent, positive influence of our education promoters and social workers. We hope you enjoy seeing the latest ways your support is making a difference for children and families in Guatemala.
Para leer en espaņol, haga click aqui. |
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Victoriano talks with Mirna, a Common Hope social worker.
Four simple words, one big change for Victoriano | |
Lesbia Marroquin, coordinator of programs in San Rafael, shared the following success story about one of our students, made possible by your support.
On a recent day in the San Rafael school, Victoriano Vasquez was anxious. It was his day to get his sponsorship birthday gift, a new pair of shoes, and he was practically bursting at the seams to go and pick it out. Finally, he interrupted one of our education promoters, who was explaining an activity, to say it was his turn. "Victor, the teacher is talking," Patty said quietly. One of our classroom rules is to respect the person talking and raise your hand to participate. He responded, "I'm sorry, go ahead."
"This might sound simple," says Lesbia, "but believe me, it is so satisfying to see these kinds of small advances in our kids. A few months ago, such an interaction would have been difficult to believe." At that time, Victoriano didn't understand rules, and his attitude was defensive and violent towards others.
Victoriano's family was affiliated in 2010, and at first it was difficult to get on the same page with the family about things, especially the kids. Most of the time, the kids were in the center of town playing video games. One of the biggest challenges was keeping Victoriano in school. His attendance was infrequent, and he failed the first grade last year. Continue reading...
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L to R: Jack and Linda Smith, Anne Copeland, Jim Womack, Dulce's mother Rosa, and in front,sponsored student Dulce.
Leadership training deepens Common Hope's bench
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Common Hope supporters Jack and Linda Smith, from Brookline, MA, recently finished up two months of volunteering in Guatemala, where they provided leadership training and mentoring for 20 Common Hope managers. Their workshops covered topics ranging from managing oneself to leading others to team work. The training also included a cross-cultural understanding workshop from Anne Copeland (also pictured, with her husband, Jim Womack).
Jack and Linda first visited Common Hope on a Vision Team in 2007. They led a team in 2010 and decided to return for a longer stint this year to offer their skills. Having spent their careers traveling the globe in international business, the Smiths have a wealth of skills to offer Common Hope. Says Lisa Hetzel, Human Resources Director, "They are both full of energy and filled up their schedule to the maximum--plus doing prep work at home on evenings and weekends. We hope to see them back next year!"
We are very grateful to these friends of Common Hope for sharing their time and talents with us. To read more about Jack and Linda's experience, you can visit their blog here .
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Common Hope supporters enjoy the colorful Guatemalan market at Noche de Colores.
Generosity abounds at Noche de Colores
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Many thanks to all involved in our Noche de Colores benefit and anniversary celebration held on April 30. After a day of downpours, the sun came out to shine on our Guatemalan market and event. The fundraiser was a great success, attended by 483 people who came together to pledge more money during the auction than ever before, raising $111,600 for our programs. With ticket and market sales, the event raised more than $157,000 for Common Hope. Noche goers also got to see the debut of a beautiful new video about Common Hope, shot and produced this spring by Buck Holzemer and Patti Petrich. To see photos from the event, click here.
Thanks again to all who made Noche a success. Special thanks to our committee of volunteers, and our event sponsors, for making this event possible.
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 Karla Aurora, future CEO, needs a Sponsor | |
Karla, age 15, studies in the 9th grade in our newest community, San Miguel Milpas Altas. She dreams of graduating with a degree in business administration and has been on the honor roll at school because of good grades and good behavior.
Both of Karla's parents, however, are in poor health. Her father, Don Clemente, is blind from an accident that occured seven years ago. He was working on the roof of a church and fell, suffering from a head and brain injury. Clemente also suffers from diabetes and hypertension, while Karla's mother has diabetes and asthma. With their health conditions, finding a steady job is very hard for Karla's parents.
Karla needs a Guiding Sponsor, at $30/mo. If you can help Karla stay in school, please contact Jessie Szopinski via email, call (651) 917-0917, or sponsor her online today .
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Volunteers on a Vision Team this May.
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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 12 - 19*
- Nov 19 - 26
- Nov 26 - Dec 3
* Graduation trip; Space for individuals
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
| One exemplary mother · Junior high students honor their mothers · Learning through play · Lessons from Guatemala.
See these stories and more on our blog, Notes from the field.
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Save the Date: Drive Out Poverty Golf Tournament on September 22, 2011
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Save the Date for the second annual Drive Out Poverty Golf Tournament, a benefit for Common Hope sponsored by AbeTech. The event will be held on September 22, 2011 at the Fox Hollow Golf Club in St. Michael, MN. Shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. For more info, click here.
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