Pueblo a Pueblo

Pueblo a Pueblo
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BLOGalito What’s new in Santiago Atitlán Updated Weekly

May 2008
Newsletter

Welcome to Pueblo a Pueblo

Pueblo a Pueblo is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting the people of Santiago Atitlán, Guatemala. Located on the shores of Lake Atitlán, this community of more than 40,000 indigenous Maya suffered some of the worst mudslides as a result of Hurricane Stan. The Panabaj mudslides alone buried hundreds of people and left more than 5000 homeless and destitute. The Hospitalito Atitlan, the only ER, inpatient and surgical care facility in the area was once again closed – a victim of the disaster.

Pueblo a Pueblo wishes to thank the many people who have responded to the plight of the T’zutjil Maya. We invite you to consider joining us in assisting the community at large and individuals as they struggle to retain their unique culture and rebuild their lives.

Hospitalito Atitlán

Closed 15 years ago as a result of a massacre during the civil war, The Hospitalito Atitlán reopened on April 1, 2005. Under the leadership of K’aslimaal, a local grassroots organization, the people of Santiago came together to rebuild their much needed health facility. On the morning of October 5, 2005 the Hospitalito was once again hit by a disaster and closed.

Mother/Infant Healthcare Sponsorship

Guatemala has the third highest infant mortality rate in the western hemisphere. Out of every hundred thousand children born, 37 die at birth and an additional 54 will die before they reach the age of 5. Indigenous Guatemalan women are 27 times more likely to die from complications of pregnancy than women in the United States. Sponsor a pregnant mother and her child to help ensure her and her infant’s health.

Child Educational Sponsorship

77% of the indigenous population, in Guatemala are illiterate. Furthermore, illiteracy reaches up to 80 percent for rural women. Only 20% of indigenous children finish their primary education. The mudslide worsened the situation in Santiago as several schools were destroyed or damaged. Many children who lived in Panabaj have lost their families and are homeless. Please consider sponsoring a child’s education.