Midwife Meeting

Midwife meeting

The attendees of AMA midwife training consisted of young women eager to learn the trade, in addition to, experienced mothers and grandmothers furthering their knowledge and skills.  The activity was held in the Chuicutama village of Santa Catarina.  The house was filled with mothers, sisters and daughters, people sitting on the floor and standing in the door.  The meeting was facilitated by Antonina Sanchez, and translated into K’iche by Hilda.  Dona Antonina begins with a brief introduction; holding hands everyone engages in their personal prayers.  This powerful workshop gave the opportunity to meet and speak with two American midwives, Nicki and Maria.  During the training, Antonina explained the signs of a healthy baby and the proper procedure if the child is showing symptoms of infection. She described basic sanitation for materials and and persons as well as the importance of keeping a health notebook.

The cultural exchanged between Nicki, Maria and the women of Chuicutama was truly exciting for both parties. “We are so grateful to be invited to your community and into your homes.  This is a honor and something that we consider incredibly valuable.” Nicki and Maria have been to Guatemala several times to witness Mayan midwife practices and while they did not facilitate the meeting they did clarified confusion about diseases and procedures.  They also answered a multitude of questions, demonstrated new techniques and use of instruments vital to midwives.

Manuela Guachiac and Maria Tzaput are practicing midwives of the community Pacutama. Although they have been midwives for several years, this meeting was the first time they had ever practiced listening for a baby’s heartbeat using a stethoscope. “We are so happy and excited to learn a new method for helping mothers and babies.  We now can go back to our community with this new equipment and demonstrate the same training.  Women and children will directly benefit from this experience because we can better serve them. Thank you so much!”

Comments from 4 Women's Circles

COMMENTS OF 4 WOMEN’S CIRCLES

Paulina Guachiac Guachiac is elated at my opportunity to learn such beautiful things as crocheting, cooking, important health issues, etc. 

XEABAJ I :   Activities were created by the instructor, Matilde Isabel, for the women of Xeabaj I. The group is very thankful for AMA and the knowledge and experiences in which they are being exposed. They learned to make carrot cake, banana cake, figs in honey, layettes, hair bows, basket curls, cake, jelly and bread molds. To show their appreciation and affection for their teacher as well as AMA, they prepared a delicious fair-well lunch.

PACUTAMA:   The women of Pacutamá are active and have a high participation at each meeting.  They are always excited to work with the materials, but especially when they have the opportunity to engage in an unfamiliar project, such as carrot cakes, banana cakes, figs in honey, candles, crochet and embroidery.  This group is light hearted and tells jokes while they work.  They expand their minds with newly acquired information. 

CHIRIJOX:   The brand new group of Chirijox is in the process of organizing and hasn’t accomplished as much as others.  With new groups, promotion of self-esteem is always covered first.  They have demonstrated preparation of tortillas and white gruel.  Now the women have begun layettes and a crocheted sweater. They are very happy for the opportunity to work with AMA. 

CHUICUTAMA:   Isabel Guarchaj Guarchaj had the opportunity to attend a four-day sewing workshop. During the workshop, discussions were held about the philosophy of AMA and what makes AMA’s approach with community groups special.  Upon returning to her village, Isabel helped to explain AMA’s work and the different groups in the area of Ixtahuacán.  Isabel embraces this new idea and explained to her companions, “AMA does not give away things, but gives away knowledge; nothing and no one can take that from us.  When this opportunity to learn comes within our reach and we dedicate our time, its possible to better our lives. If we apply what we’re taught, we can have an existence very different from now.  In the future, we could have money based on these ideas and skills we learned.  We should never say ‘No I can’t’!  Everything is possible when you're ready to learn.  I know that we can gather even more in information in addition to what I was taught in the four day workshop.“  

Isabel is very excited about participation in her community. “At first, my community did not want to work with AMA because AMA does not give gifts. However, we realized that we could learn new activities like making a blouse with crocheted flowers or creating exciting recipes. This made us change not only our opinions, but our way of thinking.  We decided to be a part of AMA and work towards a better future.  All of us are very grateful to AMA for the tremendous patience and allowing us as much time as we needed to make our decision. We are also thankful for the wool provided to each women needed to make the baby layettes. Thank you for giving us this opportunity.” Now, Isabel and the women of Pacutama do not want to miss any opportunities and look forward to working with AMA for a brighter future.

Reproductive Health Workshop

AMA & FUNDAP REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH WORKSHOP

The valley community of Santa Catarina Ixtahucan consists of five villages. Eight health promoters of AMA working in area of Santa Catarina participated in a reproductive health workshop on Tuesday October 26 of this year. The workshop was hosted by FUNDAP, a development foundation. FUNDAP coordinated with AMA in order to guide and train 15 health workers. For this activity, AMA did outreach and facilitated transportation to the city of Quetzaltenango.

The symposium was truly impacting for many, including Pascuala Sohom. She is an AMA member who currently lacks the ability to read or write proficiently. Pascuala found the activity engaging and could easily understand the information presented. Unfortunately, some of her fellow community members do not support her participation in AMA and were especially skeptical when they heard Pascuala was training to be health promoter. “People are accustomed to receiving everything without sacrifice and effort.” This workshop is challenging assumptions about aid because it requires attendance and interaction. Pascuala has a new awareness of reproductive health and sexually transmitted diseases. “The importance of sexual health cannot be understated because communities do not encourage dialog, but now I am informed and comfortable discussing this with my family and friends.” The reverberations of these presentations will be incredibly profound, especially  for those with little to no access to health information.

Three presentations were given by FUNDAP volunteers, Importance of Breastfeeding, Sexual Health and Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Afterward, everyone received a diploma in order to document their involvement. This creates legitimacy for the health promoters. Community members will be more open to the sometimes strange and challenging new information. “AMA encourages us to share this vital knowledge with our colleagues, families and neighbors. We need financial support to replicate these events as we have no resources for transportation. We appreciate AMA’s involvement and hope they will support us in the future.”

“AMA’s impact can not be assessed for everyone in the community but we feel that participation of men and women on these topics are great for promoting gender equality.” Issues about sexual health are many times avoided due to ignorance or embarrassment, which explains its need in communities. Now the participants can return to their friends and family with tools and the knowledge to improve lives.After each presentation the audience was encouraged to ask questions and discuss the material that was covered.

  

SURVEY OF THE LANDSLIDE VICTIMS: SIX WIDOWS AND SOLE SURVIVOR

SURVEY OF THE LANDSLIDE VICTIMS: SIX WIDOWS AND SOLE SURVIVOR

Catarina Tuyo performed a small community survey of the families who lost loves ones in the mudslides at kilometer 171.  Caty had the opportunity to visit each of the families and conducted basic questions used to discern the needs of each family. A basic food basket was suggested and her visit was used to decided if this was an appropriate action and what other items and assistance is desired. 

COMMENTS FROM THE FAMILIES:

 1.   Nicolás López Guarchaj of Chuicutama:  The parents commented on Nicholas‘ generosity and described how he was helping to buy items needed for the kitchen, paying his sister’s tuition, and also has been growing crops in Cantel. “We are now very concerned because we have expenses that we can not afford. We need money to transport a harvest to Cantel and also for our daughter’s schooling. She is in the fifth grade and wants to attend next year. Unless we can find a scholarship for her, this is not likely to work out. These are the items most pressing and if you could support us in in these areas we would be most grateful.” The following lists names and ages of Nicolás’ siblings:

       1.  Diego López Guarchaj - 21 years

2.  Catarina López Guarchaj -19 years

3.  Manuela López Guarchaj -17 years

4.  María López Guarchaj -15 years

5.  Manuela Jesús López Guarchaj -13 years

6.  Pedro Benito López Guarchaj - 7 years

 2.  Domingo Tzaput Guarchaj of Pacutama:  Doña Manuela commented that she needs to construct a small kitchen. Not only is it something that she needs, but it was the her late husband’s desire as well. She is currently living with her parents, but is not accustomed to this lifestyle and wished to live on her own. Living with her parents is more difficult for the family because they now have more people and therefore are spending more money. The following lists names and ages of Domingo and Manuela’s children:

1.  Diego Tzaput Guachiac - 13 years

2.  Manuel Valeriano Tzaput Guachiac - 11 years

3.  Catalina Tzaput Guachiac - 9 years

3.  Miguel Vicente Guachiac Chivalán of Pacutama:  The father of this young man said he could not work and is also playing the role of mother. Miguel’s wife died two years ago which has left the children to be provided for by their grandfather. Miguel’s daughter, Catarina is 14 years old and is also playing the role of mother. She could not help take care of the family and continue her studies. She is no longer a student and now is caring for her 2 year old brother and is preparing the food for her 4  younger siblings. The following lists names and ages of Miguel’s children:

1.  Catarina Rufina Guachiac Chivalán - 14 years

  2.  Paulina Isabel Guachiac Chivalán - 11 years

3.  Carlos Roberto Guachiac Tum - 7 years

4.  Ana Guachiac Tum - 5 years

  5.  Virginia Angelina Guachiac Tum - 2 years 

4.  David Dionisio Ajú Och of Chajuab: The mother and her married children are very concerned about the health of David’s father. He is frequently sick because of the loss of his son. They were also left with David’s debt. His wife is back with her parents along with their son. Manuela Carmen Ajú Och is 15 years and is his only sister; who along with his wife and his adopted son returned to his wife’s parents house. 

5.  Manuel Esquipulas Guarchaj Ajú of Chajuab:  The eldest daughter is a single mother living with her parents. The mother was pregnant and due in a month and ten days when the father passed away. “Now my mom has a baby and we have not yet found a name for him. My mom and I worry about whether we will have enough food each day.” The following lists names and ages of Manuel’s children:

1.  Sara Magdalena Guarchaj Rajpop - 20 years

2.  Josefina Guarchaj Rajpop - 15 years

  3.  Manuel Mardoqueo Guarchaj Rajpop - 12 years

  4.  Isabela Guarchaj Rajpop - 8 years

5.  Henry Fausto Tum Guarchaj - 4 years

6.  Mario Adolfo Guarchaj Rajpop - 3 years

7.  A recently born son without a name 

6.  Cruz Tzaput Guarchaj of Pacorral II: His wife is extremely depressed and hurts for her children especially her son, Gasper, who is in Pre-primary and always says he does not want to go to school because “ I don’t have my dad to check my notebook and homework.”  The following lists names and ages of Cruz’s children:

             1.  Catalina Tzaput Guarchaj - 9 years

    2.  Gaspar Tzaput Guarchaj - 6 years

              3.  Dominga Tzaput Guarchaj - 4 years

        4. Rosalía Tzaput Guarchaj - 1 año

7.  Don Antonio Guarchaj Guarchaj of Chuicutama:  He and his wife have recently spent a lot of money on medications, food and other expenses. “I'm very worried about my debt and being able to meet my needs because I could not do anything this last week. I tried to split wood but I could not even lift the ax. I would like help with purchasing medicine and visiting a doctor. The following lists names and ages of Don Antonio’s children:

1.  Diego Guarchaj y Guarchaj - 16 years

2.  Isabela Guarchaj y Guarchaj - 13 years

3.  Catalina Guarchaj y Guarchaj - 10 years

4.  Miguel Guarchaj y Guarchaj - 7 years

5.  Carlos Mateo Guarchaj y Guarchaj - 4 years

SURVEY CONCLUSIONS:

1.  On this survey Catarina came to discover that the seven families need a basic food basket to meet the short term goals of providing immediate sustenance.  This will help alleviate at small fraction of their everyday costs as all are purchasing items like corn daily.

2.  The families also desire support raising chickens and sheep.

CMA GROUP RESPONSES:

CMA groups of Chirijox, Chajuab and Xeabaj II collaborated to provide aliments for the families. The women regret this event and feel for the families who lost relatives and also for those who were injured and unable to support their families. This charitable act is is very significant; it is yet another example of the connectedness and love that these communities have for one another. Two CMA's of Chirijox, 4 representatives of a Pacutama CMA and Claudia Villagrán prepared food for the widows and families participating in the Mental Health workshop.

The women provided the following:  80 pounds of corn, 4 bags of soap, 4 pounds of salt, 6 bags of pasta, 2 pounds of rice, 2 pounds of beans, 1 bag of oatmeal, 2 bags of ground flour meal, 1 bag of oats and 28 pieces of cob.  In each of the 7 bags were given to the families was as follows:  11 1/2 pounds of corn, three different things and 4 corn cobs.

Greenhouses in Chiquisis

 INFORMATION ABOUT GREENHOUSES IN  EACH COMMUNITY OF CHIQUISIS 

 The community members of Chiquisis are having difficulties cultivating an assortment of crops.  The only harvested plants are white grass, onion and a small amount of tomato for consumption. Preferred items to grow are broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and radish because these crops produce high yields in greenhouses.

Greenhouse problems are due to damage by heavy rains and winds.  The crops were lost because they can not repair the greenhouse.  The community would ultimately like help repairing the greenhouse so it could be put to good use.  All that is needed is at least 50 yards of nylon.

                                                

CHAJUAB: Chajuab’s greenhouse wasn’t built in a proper location. When it rains mud pores inside, making it very difficult for crops to thrive.  The only crop that grows is white grass which is harvested for consumption.

CHUICUTAMA: Doña Isabel Guarchaj y Don Manuel Rosario can not grow anything substantial in their greenhouse.  They stated that the other women don’t contribute to the maintenance and care of the greenhouse. They have only planted white grass and a little onion but would like to plant more onion, cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage.

PACUTAMA: This women’s group is noted for their quick response.  The director, Santa Guachiac Guachiac stated, “it is a constant struggle for the women, but the work is worth it.  Because of them we have been able to harvest cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, onion and tomato.”  The group has consumed herbs, a little onion and tomatoes while most of the latter two were sold in the market.  Onions are preferred to herbs because they are more productive and are not easily killed by pests.  The women wish to plant more onions but unfortunately they do not have any more seeds.

XEABAJ I: This community has only been able to plant tomatoes and onions for consumption. They would like to also plant herbs but they do not have seeds.

XEABAJ II: They have planted cabbage, cauliflower and onions.  A photograph has not been taken because Caty was ashamed to enter the greenhouse to get more.  She was told by the women that they received seeds from AGEMA.

Projects made with donated wool

PHOTOS OF WORK BEENING DONE WITH THE DONATED WOOL

The group of Doña Pascuala is from Chirijox. This group is crocheting baby layettes. The women are working very hard but we are observing two women advancing very rapidly. The women expressed a lack of interest to continually make textile belts. Therefore, everyone is very excited to have learned a new techique. "Now that we are learning to sew and crochet we will be able to have other things to use with our family and especially with our babies. These new skills and projects will help to improve our lives."

This is work of a Women's Circle group in Pacutama. The women are so proud of their work with AMA!!

This Women's group is from Llanos del Pinal. The women started knitting tricot scarves and said they are very excited about this new project.

 

 

 

 

 

Parent’s Committee Meeting of the Nuevo Amanecer School

Parent’s Committee Meeting of the Nuevo Amanecer School

  The parent’s committee meeting was held in the school of Nuevo Amanecer on September 27th at 8am.  The meeting’s objective was to analyze problems affecting the school and explore solutions.  The main purpose was to discuss the progress and completion of the kitchen financed and built by volunteers of Flint Hill.  More than 30 parents were present and they all showed appreciation for AMA and the volunteers’ coordination and organization with the committee. 

The parent’s committee decided the kitchen’s roof is ready for the installation of a second level.  Previously decided, a classroom will be built above the kitchen, a project that will commence next year.  For this reason, construction of the roof has not been completed.  Also, the parents are planning different activities to raise money for construction of a kitchen terrace.  This will hopefully be finished by the end of the year, just in time for the starting of classes in January 2011.

The parents of Nuevo Amanecer thanked Flint Hill volunteers for graciously giving their effort, money and time to finance and begin the project.  Flint Hill created the foundation; something which can not be seen, but whose results are emanate.  The foundation is the most important part of a building; it supports the kitchen's walls and the future classroom which will reside above.

AMA presented an analysis of the incurred construction costs and made mention of the revolutionary philosophy and methodology being practiced in the school involving the teachers, parents and children.  Statements from the parents were very emotional and full of gratitude.  They truly feel the compassion of AMA.  Everyone is prepared to increase, even more, their participation and communication of AMA's goals for the betterment of the community, school and future.

A women’s group of AMA, led by Doña María Isabel, remembered the efforts of Debora and her great love for the community.  In the United States, she made sacrifices to ensure a group of participants who posses an enthusiasm for continued work with the people of Nuevo Amanecer.  “The school is vital to our children’s education.  We will continue to organize and support the educational programs of AMA.   We believe our Mayan culture has much to offer this new generation, and for this, we want our culture, history, and Cosmovision to thrive within our youth.  We have the knowledge to help our children find their identities and not be captured by transgressions in society.  Thank you for your many efforts and God Bless."

As the sacred book El Popl Vhu states, “Let all rise that nobody is left behind”.

Photos of the construction process...