Computers for Guatemala

Some of the schools in Huehuetenango that had received our computers had expressed interest in coming to our park in Ixtahuacan to play soccer, to express their thanks for getting computers. So we invited these schools for a day of soccer games, with a cultural night of traditional dances and songs. We invited Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Dr. Rigoberta Menchu Tum to speak to the students. The theme was unity among towns. Because most towns are isolated from each other with their own tradtional dress and with 22 distict languages, there is little sense of nationalism in Guatemala. At the bottom of this page are some photos of the cultural night and soccer games.

After the event I invited Rigoberta and her husband Angel to come to Darien for some R&R, and to speak to supporters of our projectS.

RECEPTION FOR RIGOBERTA MENCHU IN DARIEN, CT.

Welcome by Burt Palmer, elder and member of mission team, Noroton Presbyterian Church, which supports Computers for Guatemala.

MC, Mike McLeod, board member, retired from InterAmerican Development Bank, and Peace Corps Volunteer, Guatemala 1967-70.

Co-Founder Eulalia Paiz.

Neighbor Jack Faulker taking with Rigoberta.

Rigoberta signing one of her books of Mayan fables, for Dr.Steve Caddle, Columbia University Medical School, and recent visitor to Guatemala with Don and Eulalia.

Rafael, our Field Director, dancing with Devika

RIGOBERTA AND HER HUSBAND ANGEL CAME TO DARIEN FOR SOME RELAXATION

Christoph Hanau gave all of us a splendid morning ride before Rigoberta’s reception. The best water park in the US.

This photo was not posed! Eulalia was so tired after the reception that she didn’t even make it into her bed. Maybe this is a good way for a medical student to catch a quick nap, one foot on the floor and ready to go.

CULTURAL NIGHT IN IXTAHUACAN WITH RIGOBERTA MENCHU

On the way to Ixtahuacan Rigoberta stopped at a school (which received our computers) in Colotenango, Instituto Maya Mam, a co-ed boarding school, to give a very inspiring talk on why Maya are needed in government.

Rigoberta being welcomed by Director of the school.

Listening to Rigoberta explain why Maya, especially Mayan women, are needed in government.