While local parents are busy purchasing school supplies for their children’s upcoming school year, local charity Aldea Maya is doing the same for impoverished students in Guatemala.
Founder of the charity Louise Sosa took some young volunteers to Staples last week for middle school students in Chukumuk, Guatemala.
“None of the students in the village were continuing past Grade 6 as they could not afford the school supplies and school fees. On top of that they had to pay transportation to the nearest town as there was no middle school in the village.”
As of January 2012 Aldea Maya started a middle school in the village which now has 75 students and grades 7 and 8. The charity pays all the teachers salaries, school equipment and student supplies and fees by donations from people including many local residents, Davies Electric and local Rotary Clubs.
The charity also has extensive garden and nutrition programs as well as energy efficient stoves, water filter and building projects.
Anyone interested in joining the team can attend the annual general meeting Thursday, Sept 5 at 266 Crescent West in Qualicum Beach.
Opportunities include volunteering at craft fairs, knitting sweaters and much more.
A meet and greet will run from 6 until 7 p.m. and the meeting starts at 7 p.m.
For more information visit the website at www.aldeamaya.ca.