By Kathryn Johnson | Development and Advocacy Partner
In the most remote parts of Guatemala and around the world, solidarity is crucial to overcome challenges and rebuild life after disasters. Such is the case in the parts of Maya Territory ravaged by hurricanes Eta and Iota last year. Several Q'anjob'al, Chuj and Akateka Maya communities were partially or even totally destroyed, and residents were forced to leave their homes and take refuge with relatives or in shelters to survive.
Coordinating with the Ancestral Plurinational Q'anjob'al, Chuj and Akateko Government, CMPI was able to quickly reach the affected communities, collect data, and immediately know the conditions on the ground and what the communities needed.
With this information, and the generous support of GlobalGiving, we were able to buy corn, beans, rice, personal hygiene products and other basics. With these resources, we helped ensure that the basic food needs of 1967 people in eight communities were met for two months after the disaster. 65% of those served are adolescents and children.
With the funds, we also contributed to the restoration of a 300-meter section of road, which had been completely covered with earth as a result of a landslide caused by heavy rains, blocking access to three communities of San Pedro Soloma. The restoration of this road benefited about 1,500 people.
Several houses lost their roofs in the twin storms, and we were also able to provide some families with metal sheets to rebuild their homes and move back into them.
The passage of storms Eta and Iota through Mayan territory has been painful and challenging for those who lived through it. But it has been less painful thanks to the support received from all the good-hearted people who have contributed to this cause. We at Comunidad Maya Pixan Ixim are deeply grateful for the solidarity of everyone who donated through GlobalGiving and GlobalGiving itself for your gifts to this much needed humanitarian work.
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