Economic Opportunity Created in Guatemala Each Year
By Jacqueline Case

In August, our SIFE team had the opportunity to travel deep into the heart of the country of Guatemala into the small village of Santa Cruz. Once we entered the village we could not believe our eyes; the streets were made up of mud and dirt, there was trash scattered everywhere, and children were running around bare-foot. Our hearts went out to the people, and we hoped to make a difference in their lives.

Many people in the village suffered from breathing difficulties as a result of cooking on an open fire in their homes. Our solution to this was to install stoves into their homes. The stoves cut down on the smoke in the houses dramatically. Throughout are time there, our team was able to install 37 stoves into their homes.

Our team also had the opportunity to teach in Santa Cruz's school. We taught the children business principles through our bizworld program, by making bracelets. The principles included the importance of quality work, how to market a product, and how to work together as a team. Through the bizworld program, each team was given pretend money as a reward for their hard work on the bracelets. With the money they earned, the children were able to shop in a pretend store that we set up full of clothes, toys, and personal hygiene items. Afterwards, we had fun playing with the kids with all of their new toys.

Our team had an amazing experience while interacting with this wonderful community. We felt so blessed to be given the opportunity to help them not only learn more about businesses, but God as well. We hope that with the information we have taught the children they will continue to further flourish and grow and achieve all of their dreams.

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