Impact of Coronavirus on Bendicion de Dios in San Juan Alotenango, Guatemala

Bendicion de Dios is currently shut down in accordance with Guatemalan government dictates to fight the Coronavirus. Unlike the U.S. and other advanced countries, there is no option for online learning. Julio (the school’s director) and the teachers are providing worksheets to the students so that they stay engaged and do not completely lose the year’s instruction. At the same time, Julio is desperately worried about the health and well-being of the families. In addition to schools and non-essential businesses, public transportation for more than four people is prohibited. Food is scarce and expensive. To mitigate the impact on the health and well-being of our students and their families, Julio is distributing food and supplies to the school’s 300 families, starting first with the neediest 150 families. His goal is to provide food for three months, distributed packages one month at a time. He is also thinking of ways to help the remaining families overcome the financial impact of the shutdown.

March 2020 Food Basket Campaign

Under the Same Moon, with the tremendous support from its donors, provided $5100 for the Food Fund. Julio expects this amount to cover the first month. In addition, donors are generously renewing sponsorships and providing extra funds to help the school’s families survive. The outpouring of concern, coupled with welcome financial backing, is a wonderful tribute to the heart-warming spirit and connectivity between those in need at Bendicion de Dios and those who are in a position to help.

Under the Same Moon usually obtains fifty percent of its funds each year from the sale of Guatemalan handicrafts at conferences, fairs, and other public events. Since most of these events will be cancelled or postponed, the organization is reaching out to our donors to ask for help, both in terms of their continued giving, as well as looking for additional personal contacts and other ideas for making up the shortfall. Please share the UTSM Guatemala Facebook page with your network and ask for support whenever possible! Here is the link:  UTSMGuatemala.

Thank you for your continuing support!