Guatemala |
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In 1976, Plenty International established its first international base of operations in the country of Guatemala.
From disaster relief and reconstruction to water systems and soy technology, Plenty's work in Guatemala spans the full scope of its efforts to empower those in need.
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| A Historical Perspective |
When a devastating earthquake struck Guatemala in 1976, killing 23,000 and leaving a million homeless, The Farm and Plenty decided to decided to go and see if there was anything this young, untested organization could do to help.
At the time, that earthquake was the greatest natural disaster ever in the history of Central America, and the volunteers were overwhelmed to view the destruction.
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Initially Plenty committed crews of carpenters to assist the Mayans in their efforts to rebuild.
Over the next four years Plenty volunteers built over twelve hundred houses, schools and public buildings.
More than 100 Plenty volunteers served in Guatemala, working side by side with Guatemalan farmers and villagers. Many of us witnessed for the first time the depth of poverty in the Third World.
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 Indigenous Municipal Building, Solola, Guatemala, built by Plenty
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We soon learned that poverty is a wheel with many spokes that rolls over the backs of the poor. The spokes are racism, poor sanitation, lack of health care and clean water, land and food shortages, as well as economic and political oppression.
It's just like the old song says, Them that's got shall get, them that's not shall lose.
Recognizing the need for additional protein to fight malnutrition, Plenty volunteers began introducing the Mayan people to soybean foods and agriculture.
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Soy foods processing demonstrations were part of a strategy to get more protein to the kids. Ice "Bean" was always a big hit! |
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| This led to the construction of a Mayan owned and operated soy dairy (Alimentos San Bartolo), in the village of San Bartolo, Solola, that is still in business today providing both jobs and a reliable source of inexpensive protein. |
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Plenty volunteers also engaged in projects to promote primary health care, and helped to install potable water systems sanitation and communications technology.
We felt extremely lucky to be able to exchange a few of our life-supporting technologies for the privilege of experiencing the richness of the Maya culture and the powerful heart and intelligence of its people.
Plenty volunteers were forced to leave Guatemala in the fall of 1980 due to the escalating violence. Since then Plenty has assisted projects such as fair trade crafts marketing for Mayan women, a community library in Jacaltenango, and continued technical support for the Alimentos San Bartolo soy dairy.
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The lecheria de soya, Alimentos San Bartolo soy dairy, has now been in operation for over 30 years.
It continues to provide employment as well as bring nutritious, high protein food to the people of Guatemala. |
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