My name is Jennie, and I'm a volunteer for Sharing the Dream, a non-profit organization that promotes fair trade with cooperatives and small businesses in Guatemala, and the Elder Bead Shop which helps support the Santiago Elder Center of Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala. I became a volunteer after visiting Santiago (click to view my trip presentation) in November of 2013.
My trip, I thought, was to visit my stepdaughter who was in Santiago at that time, doing volunteer work which included working at the Elder Center. However, the trip impacted me in a way I never imagined. Being surrounded by the incredible beauty of the country, but yet at the same time, encountering the struggle of the indigenous people, particularly the Elders, created a desire in me to do what I can to make a tangible difference in the lives of these Elderly people who struggle for their daily bread.
After contemplation, I discovered there are a couple of ways I can make a difference, One way is by selling, as a volunteer,
the beautiful jewelry that is created for the Elder Bead Shop. The profit from the sale of the jewelry is used to help support
the Elder Center. In addition, the young women who create the jewelry receive fair wages. Another way, I can make a difference is through seeking sponsorships for the Elders. Sponsorships for individual Elders greatly help the Center
obtain the funds that are necessary in order to help provide for the needs of the Elders in the program.