Nursing Heart Friends,
Following on from last week’s report on the community of Pacoxpón, I am presenting one of the leaders who has impressed and inspired me consistently. He is passionate about improving the living and health conditions of his community and has the drive to make it happen.
Don Ramiro is of Maya Kaqchiquel descent and is the current leader of the health committee. He is currently studying social work at the University of Mariano Galvez of Guatemala and has been working closely with Nursing Heart in the production and execution of the Community Empowerment pilot program, started with Johns Hopkins University in January this year.
At 15 years of age, Ramiro Tay was orphaned by the consequences of the Civil War-Internal Armed Conflict that Guatemala experienced. Since then he has participated in community development processes, participating in the Local Development Committees, managing projects of Safe Drinking Water, Schools, Road Improvements, Introduction of Electricity, Local Reforestation, and Construction of Cisterns for rainwater collection, all to improve the health and development of his community
This program, run in partnership with us and the community leaders, follows up activities and education sessions to improve the health of the residents and the conditions of the community to reduce the effects of poverty and improve their living conditions. Due to the lack of assistance and lack of social investment on the part of the Guatemalan State, without this support, the community would not receive any external assistance.
It is empowering to see strong leaders like Don Ramiro in these communities. Our goal is not to dictate the program, but to work in conjunction with the community, to listen to their expressed needs and concerns and support them along this journey.
Co-written by César Santos
Jade Parker-Manderson & the ACE team
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