November 2008 Newsletter
Featured Student: Herlinda Guadalupe Cochojil Itcep
Herlinda is 19 years old and one of thirteen children in her family in Xoquiac, Cantel. Herlinda's parents earn approximately $60 per month in subsistence farming which leaves little to no money for Herlinda's education. Determined to fulfill her dream of studying medicine, Herlinda started raising chickens to save money for university. Herlinda is now studying medicine at the Mesoamerican University in Quetzaltenango.
Herlinda's ultimate goal is to open a clinic in her village which currently has no medical facilities. She would like to prevent the high rates of infant mortality that families suffer in this area.
Running to Raise Funds!
Elizabeth Johnson and Kevin Espirito recently ran the Portland Marathon and used the opportunity to raise funds for Roots & Wings International. Elizabeth is a veteran marathon runner and this was Kevin's first time. Together they brought in over $750, enough for one full-tuition university scholarship.
As you can see, Elizabeth finished strong (see picture to the left). Kevin documented his first marathon experience on YouTube. They both found inspiration in running to change lives and communities through education.
The Portland Marathon is over, but Roots & Wings Intl is still running to provide 35 scholarships next year. Help us get there. Donate $25 now
Coffee for a Cause
BuyWell Fair Trade has teamed up with Roots & Wings Intl to help you put your consuming dollars to work. Roots & Wings Intl promotes university education among impoverished youth in rural Guatemala, and BuyWell is committed to roasting a perfect coffee bean. The result, one of the finest fair trade, shade-grown, organic coffees available to you, and a university scholarship available to young people working to overcome poverty.
Buy online and $3 of every bag goes directly to our scholarship program. Just type "RootsAndWings" in the promotion code box. [Click here to buy organic coffee]
Recent Development: After-School Tutoring
Roots & Wings International recently started an after-school tutoring program for 250 elementary school students in the area surrounding our office. We offer tutoring and counseling to children coming from subsistence farming families that live on less than $2 per day. We work with the students in Spanish and their native language k'iche' encouraging them to look to education as a means for oppotunity. Currently 60% of Guatemalans do not graduate elementary school. Help us cover the costs of the tutors and tutoring materials.
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