SCAW Blog: Guatemala, 2025: October 14

Today was our first day of three days of distributions in San Juan Cotzal.  At 8:30 AM we arrived at the local recreation centre which was filled with children, parents teachers and volunteers, all anxious for the opening ceremonies and the distribution.

The ceremonies began with the procession of the flags of Canada and Guatemala followed by the SCAW team with an honour guard of 6-7 year old smiling children dressed in their new fleece outfits waving balloons and Canadian flags.

This was followed by the singing of the national anthems of Guatemala and Canada and then addresses by the local SOS coordinator Isabela, the local coordinator of Education, and the Mayor. Then we were entertained with traditional dancing and singing by a group of young girls and one boy in traditional attire. This boy stole the show with his talent and stage presence. We can only imagine the performer he will be in ten years.

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We then set up for the distribution of 250 bedsits in the morning. We had been concerned about the weather because it was raining when we awoke in the AM but it did settle in the morning. During the early afternoon there was hard rain shower for a short period which did not affect the distribution of 350 bedsits. 

By the time we finished for the afternoon it had cleared and we walked about 1.5 km, almost all uphill, back to our hotel. This gave us a chance to see everyday life in this community and to get some fresh air. It was time for a short rest, then supper and early to bed as we will be busy tomorrow.

Team Guatemala, 2025

Seeds of Innovation for Sustainable Development 🇬🇹 and SCAW 🇨🇦

SCAW Blog: Guatemala, 2025: October 13

Today, we left San Cristobal to travel by small coach to San Juan Cotzal for the second half of our distributions. Before departing we were treated to a lovely breakfast at our hotel by the very supportive mayor of San Cristobal, Mr Celso Gue Gua. He shared his passion for education and his enthusiasm for SCAW’s work.

The trip was 121 km through the mountains - over a mix of paved, gravel and washed-out roads. The elevation changes and hairpin turns made for both spectacular views and nail-biting moments. A short stop for lunch in Nebaj allowed us to stretch our legs and see the central square complete with an underground parking garage. It was a long trip made enjoyable through our good spirited team.

Upon arrival we said “adios” to Noe, our San Cristobal host and “mucho gusto” to Isabelle who will host us in Cotzal. Together with their teams, they have done an extraordinary job preparing for the distribution of 4,000 bedkits to be evenly split between the two regions.

We can’t thank them enough!

Team Guatemala, 2025

Seeds of Innovation for Sustainable Development 🇬🇹 and SCAW 🇨🇦

SCAW Blog: Guatemala, 2025: October 12

Today we began with breakfast and then a short ride to the San Cristobal Municipal Center where children and their parents were assembled to receive the 1000 plus bedkits we were distributing. Our young volunteers and their supervisors from SOS were there earlier and already had many children registered and about 50 changed into their new clothes and ready for the distribution when we arrived.

Our SCAW team of six is supported in San Cristobal by about 20 youth and their supervisors. These amazing young people are mentors and mentees with with the Canadian supported SOS program here, in which high school students support elementary students in their studies and encourage them to continue their education beyond the grade 6 level. The youth ranged in age from 11 to 18 years. They performed various tasks including lifting the heavy bedkits and carrying them to the waiting parents, comforting and supporting children, registering the children and, most importantly, translating for us from English to Spanish and Mayan dialects.

One young man who we both worked with for translation told us he improved his English by watching TV in English and listening to music. He delighted in conversation about his future and his desire to study Tourism next year as he just finished High School. The smooth running of our distribution was made possible because of the bright, smiling cheerful youth and their supervisors who were always supportive to us and respectful of the children.

Team Guatemala, 2025

Seeds of Innovation for Sustainable Development 🇬🇹 and SCAW 🇨🇦

SCAW Blog: Guatemala, 2025: October 11

First Day of Bedkit Distributions in San Cristóbal, Guatemala:

Today in San Cristóbal, Guatemala, I witnessed something extraordinary. My first day distributing bedkits with Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW) unfolded like a well-executed plan amidst smiles, enthusiastic hugs and genuine warmth.

As we arrived, the air buzzed with anticipation. Children lined up with radiant smiles, their eyes wide with curiosity and gratitude. Their manners were impeccable - each “gracias” delivered with sincerity that moved us all. Mothers stood nearby, wrapped in vibrant shawls woven with intricate patterns, layered over blouses and flowing skirts that told stories of heritage and resilience. Their pride of family was unmistakable.

Under the expert guidance of our seasoned trip leader, what began as a bustling scene quickly transformed into a finely tuned operation. Over 1,000 bedkits - each containing a mattress, blanket, mosquito net, school supplies and clothing - were distributed with care and efficiency. Student volunteers, brimming with energy and ingenuity, adapted swiftly to every challenge. The girls reorganized queues, held the hands of little ones and ensured that bubbling energy was managed between kit handoffs. Meanwhile the boys demonstrated strength and compassion lifting the large kits onto the waiting heads of proud mothers - or carrying them out for those parents who needed a little help.

What struck me most was the harmony. In a place where resources are limited, generosity flowed freely. Every smile exchanged, every kit handed over, every photo captured was coming together as one appreciative community.

This wasn’t just aid - it was connection. A reminder that dignity and joy can thrive in the simplest acts of giving. I felt humbled and inspired. Tomorrow brings more kits, more faces, more stories - but today will stay with me forever.

Team Guatemala, 2025

Seeds of Innovation for Sustainable Development 🇬🇹 and SCAW 🇨🇦

SCAW Blog: Guatemala, 2024: November 8

Today was our last distribution - 460 bedkits. It was a very well organized event that took place about an hour and a half from our hotel in a town called Cuyuta.

There were many sugar cane fields and banana tree farms along the way. There were also beautifully arranged fruits and vegetables in roadside kiosks and, in contrast, just as many abandoned old cars and trucks and automotive parts along the way.

With the price of gas being about 5 CAD per litre, one understands why there were so many motorcycles on the road . . . competing to lead the way.

We arrive to a school yard filled with eager children (and mostly mothers) greeting us with Canadian flags.

Beautiful floral arrangements decorated the distribution area.

The SCAW team was introduced to Guatemala’s national bird - the quetzal.

It was a very hot day and the volunteers worked very hard. Tents protected the children who patiently waited their turn. Bottled water was distributed non-stop to keep children and adults well hydrated. Fruit was also provided. 

There are 700 students at this 2 storey school but no running water. 

A fun challenge for SCAW volunteers today was to prepare 58 students for a single picture.  We were very thankful for a long staircase located in the shade where all the children were carefully placed and photographed. 

On the ride back to the hotel, a welcome but loud thunderstorm cooled the air.

May the dear children we saw today sleep well and wake rested tomorrow morning after their first night on their cotton-filled mattresses. 

Team Guatemala, 2024

Seeds of Innovation for Sustainable Development 🇬🇹 and SCAW 🇨🇦

SCAW Blog: Guatemala, 2024: November 6

Today, for the first time, we didn't walk to the distribution site. We were picked up from our hotel at about 9 a.m. and we travelled for about 20 minutes to an elementary school site. On the way we drove through villages which were destroyed by the volcanic eruption in 2018.

We distributed 22 bedkits to excited children. Then we returned to Alotenago to distribute 436 bedkits. A number of these children had health challenges, including paralysis and deafness. It was delightful to see the smiles and hear a few children say “thank you” among the many “gracias,” after they received their bedkits.

This was our longest distribution day so far. We finished at 6:21 pm and went to our hotel for dinner.

Many parents and older siblings carry the bedkits on their heads while others use the local taxis called tuk-tuk.

Team Guatemala, 2024

Seeds of Innovation for Sustainable Development 🇬🇹 and SCAW 🇨🇦

SCAW Blog: Guatemala, 2024: November 5

The majority of our bedkit distributions will be held in the community centre in the town which is situated close to 3 volcanoes. Mount Fuego is active and has minor eruptions throughout the day.

Today we had the opportunity to meet 421 excited children that were the recipients of a bedkit. 

Following our distribution we visited the home of one of the bedkit recipients. When you visit the home there is no denying the families need of and appreciation for the bedkit. Parents are very welcoming and show great pride in their children.

Shortly after our visit a truck arrived with additional bed kits for our day 3 distribution.

We walk from our small hotel to the community centre for the distribution and get a a close up view of people’s daily life in this busy  town. Overall, this was a very successful day two distribution.

Team Guatemala, 2024

Seeds of Innovation for Sustainable Development 🇬🇹 and SCAW 🇨🇦

SCAW Blog: Guatemala, 2024: November 4

Today was SCAW’s first ever distribution in Alotenango, Guatemala!

The four member SCAW team was treated to a special welcome ceremony by the lead organizer Semilla de Innovacion para el Desarrollo Sostenible (loosely translates as “Seeds of Innovation for Sustainable Development”). In attendance were the mayor and deputy mayor, educational staff, parents and children. Children dressed in ceremonial clothes proudly performed their traditional dances.

This first distribution ran very smoothly thanks to a significant number of eager and physically strong volunteers.

Key features of the bedkit were a thick (4 inch) brightly coloured cotton mattress and a comfy pillow. These items had been specifically requested by the families and will undoubtedly provide the children with a superior sleep environment. The bedkit also included clothing, a fitted sheet, a mosquito net and school supplies.

The mattresses were large. Some children stood as high as their rolled up bedkit!

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The distribution was a lively event as a marching band of students performed accompanied by dancers.

These performers drew a large crowd outside the hall and played a wide range of music including some Christmas jingles.

Wishing all these special children a night of wonderful deep sleep on their new mattresses.

Duerme bien esta noche!!

Team Guatemala, 2024

Seeds of Innovation for Sustainable Development 🇬🇹 and SCAW 🇨🇦

SCAW Blog: Guatemala, 2024: November 3

A Very Short Post:

We were delayed several hours because the bus/van broke down. However, all is well and we are looking forward to our distribution and seeing the smiling faces of the children.

Team Guatemala, 2024

Seed of Innovation for Sustainable Development 🇬🇹 and SCAW 🇨🇦