Newsletter November 2002

Computer Lab Opens

It was difficult dragging 2 computers and a sewing machine through airports, customs, hotels, and taxis. But, now they are set up in the new Illobasco meeting space and Co-partners has a Computer Lab! Some of the younger members demonstrated how to use it. Some of them have computers in their schools, but others do not have access. The local board of La Nueva Esperanza has hired two instructors to teach students after school. The students pay a small amount to the teachers for instruction in basic keyboard and Windows skills. Eventually, the lab will be self-supporting and the students will move beyond the basics.

Busy Year for Co-partners

2002 was a busy and productive year for Co-partners. On the U.S. side, the board welcomed back Julia Gonzalez who had been in Bolivia bringing the volunteer board to five. In August, the board met with Prof. Dorine Andrews from Georgetown University who volunteered to lead a strategic planning session. That session proved helpful in defining and prioritizing the organizational goals. One of our top priorities is to increase volunteer participation and increase the board by 2 members.

Two board members, Archer Heinzen and Donna Breslin, visited Co-partner projects in Illobasco, El Salvador and Chichicastenango, Guatemala in April at their own expense. In Illobasco, the ‘new’ meeting place (see photo) was improved by the members of La Nueva Esperanza and their husbands. They painted the walls, repaired the roof, installed sewing machines and cutting tables, and set up the computer lab. The building is large, cool, sunny, and free! It is a lively place on Saturday mornings when over 40 women and girls from surrounding rural areas come together after market. The members are interested in learning sewing and computer skills and improving educational opportunities for their children.

In ‘Chichi’, the sheep raising project completed its first year and the members learned a lot. The group was disappointed that there were only two lambs produced. However, the women are learning how to ask questions, keep records, and improve their knowledge. Co-partners included payment of local agricultural experts to teach classes so this year, the project is going forward with high hopes of improved results. In addition, the group presented the board with a formal request to start two pilot chicken-raising projects (see article).

New Chicken Project

In response to a written proposal, Co-partners will partner with AIDK (Asociacion para el Desarrollo Indigena de El K’iche) in a pilot chicken-raising project. The board granted money for the initial investment in materials for two coops and _______ chickens, feed, and vitamins. The project will determine if raising chickens is profitable and whether egg-layers or meat chickens is the best way to go.

Focus on Education

In keeping with the main mission of Co-partners, education of women and girls continues to be the focus of our efforts. This year, thanks to generous donations, we provided motivational school supply packages, computer lab teachers, sewing instructors, animal husbandry instructors, and training in organizational development.

Join the 2003 Trips!

To really see what kind of difference your contribution makes, consider coming on one of both of our “expeditions” in 2003. Donna Breslin and Julia Gonzalez will lead a trip to Chichi in early February for a week to 10 days. They will check on the progress of the sheep and chicken projects and perhaps introduce a craft that would be a money-maker at the local market. In May or June, Archer Heinzen will lead a group to Illobasco. There the need is for more building maintenance, computer classes, and basic health education. Travelers pay their own way, but it is tax deductible. Accommodations are more comfortable in Guatemala, but more expensive. Please contact us to find out more details.