This is Jovani, Student #579 with "Mayan Families"
Jovani is 7yrs old and just started the 1st grade. His annual school sponsorship was $120. He lives in Panajachel with his mother, one brother and one sister. The mother works making tortillas - she works from 7am untill 11pm at night. She earns $2.50 (US) per day. She is sick with tuberculosis and has been having treatment for more than two years. She was unable to work but she has started working again. She feels very unwell working making tortillas because the smoke from the fire hurts her lungs but she feels that she has no other choice as the family does not have any money. They are renting the house that they live in and pay $10 per month. The house is made of wooden planks. The roof is tin sheeting. The floor is cement. They have one room. They cook in the same room. They cook over a gas stove. They do not have a closet. They hang their clothes on rope from the ceiling. They have two beds made of wooden planks. They have two mattresses. They have water connected and pay $4.80 per year. They have electricity connected and pay $26 per month. They do not have enough tables or chairs. They do not have enough blankets. Their greatest needs are food, clothes, shoes.
In March, we sent money for a bed, food, rent, and furniture...
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This is Mynor, Student #20 with "Mayan Families"
Mynor is one of six children and is in the 6th grade. His annual school sponsorship was $300. His father works as a builders assistant. His mother is a healer amongst the Mayan community. They live in a very small house in Panajachel. Mynor has worked since he was 8 yrs old. He now works before school and on the week ends. He is a very responsible student, a very shy boy.
In February, we sent Mynor a typewriter, which he needs for middle school. In March, we sent money for a new stove for his family, and food money for an Easter celebration.
His new stove was built in April. His family was very happy!