Day 11, 12, and 13

Day 11

Today we looked at economic globalization and manufacturing as a solution to poverty.  So to see this concept in person we visited Le Cleire Household Products Inc. factory.  Le Cleire is a Guatemalan company that is well known for treating its employees well, paying them a fair wage (about $2.30 hour minimum), and holding high environmental standards.  We toured the factory, first showing us the filling, and labeling of their products.

Then they showed us how the products are packaged and then shipped out to Guatemala.

Day 12

Today we discussed how empowering women could help to end poverty in Guatemala.  That is because when you empower women they can further their education and use their knowledge and skills to help their family.  Research shows that what ever education the mother receives, her children will match or go further.  So when you educate women, you educate a nation.  Today we visited the UPAVIM Women's Cooperative, artisan shop, health clinic, bakery and school.  UPAVIM started when 75 single women fled to the outskirts of Guatemala City.  The women were either widows from the war, abandoned by their husbands, or escaping domestic violence.  Most of the women were mothers and the only providers for their family. They joined together to claim a piece of land eventually started producing artesian crafts to sell to support their families.  Over time they opened a school, clinic, daycare, and made connections to sell their products in the US.  You can learn more about their story at: http://upavim.org/our-story/

We also visited the Survivor's Foundation for women's empowerment.  The organization was started by Norma Cruz to help women suffering from domestic violence get back on their feet and prosecute their perpetrators.  Both organizations have taken strides to empower women and help make them become an equal part of the patriarchal Guatemalan society.

Day 13

Today democratization and fighting corruption were looked at as a solution to poverty.  We visited USAID, the United States Foreign Aid Program.  They discussed their 5 year strategic plan to help Guatemala strengthen its Democracy, end corruption and tackle high rates of crime.

Afterwards we came back for lunch and celebrated Phil's 70th birthday with the staff at Semilla by trying a common (and delicious!) Guatemalan cake, Tres Leches (3 milks).