Display of handcrafted items purchased in Guatemala to sell in the U.S. in order to purchase school supplies for the next trip down to Guatemala by this amazing couple - Elin and Rick Lawrence. Rick is a member of the Manchester CT Rotary club. They winter in Ft Lauderdale and summer in Charlestown RI - when they are not in Guatemala working with the local Villagers, Rotary Clubs and ALDEA (an NGO alliance with local people). The 31st village, Panicuy, water project was completed in March 2025. A copy of the blue plaque which is mounted on the water tank in Panicuy was brought for display. The membership was also presented with a beautiful handmade banner. Another village, Xecoxol, water project is in process and the next Global Grant application for 2025/2026 will be for the El Rosario village. It was noted that the Panicuy village project was completed with solar panels, the fifth project to utilize solar.
Rick reminded us that each project is self-sustaining. Rotary supplies only the materials needed, the villagers must provide the labor and learn how to maintain their systems. Typical training sessions include how to maintain the systems plus nutrition and hygiene information. He said that after one year of a new water system's usage, it has been shown a 60% decrease in disease, 10% decrease child malnutrition and 60% decrease in eye illness. The components of each project are to bring water (with sink) to each home, include gray water filters, vented latrines (concrete toilet with cover), safe stoves installed (removes choking smoke).
Members with Elin and Rick. Note that Dora is holding on her head a water tank which had to be used by the villagers to obtain water from the river before their water project was built. Rick is holding the water tank plaque replica and Jeff is holding the Guatemala banner.
