Raleigh Meetup, students from the university of Washington and Dave Heiser Volunteer in Guatemala
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In late August, a group of students from the University of Washington, individuals from the Raleigh, NC Travel Lovers Meetup Group, and Dave Heiser, an engineer, joined together to volunteer at Impact Global Health Alliance Global’s project site in Guatemala for nine days. The group stayed in the small, Mayan town of Calhuitz, Guatemala, located 7,000 feet above sea level near the Mexican border. While at the site, the volunteers worked through the rain, intense sunshine, and cold (sometimes all in the same day!). They helped provide support on a variety of construction projects at the Casa Materna maternity clinic and help the Community Health Workers deliver services in the area.
A week of volunteering
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By the end of the week the volunteers completed a 15-foot wall as part of an expansion project for the Casa Materna. The group also covered chipped walls and faded murals with a much-needed fresh coat of paint. First off, they added a layer of cement to the roof to prevent leaks. Second, they helped move scrap wood to clear the way for a medicinal herb garden.
During the morning and early afternoon, the group gained first-hand experience working in a health system in a low-resource setting. Each day 2-3 sets of volunteers accompanied the health workers to the health posts located throughout Calhuitz and the surrounding areas. These basic health posts, are sometimes just a one-room structure made out of cement blocks. They help provide local families the opportunity to receive medicines, vaccinations, and a checkup for their children. While at the health post, the volunteers passed out vitamins and food supplements. Likewise, they helped the health workers track the children’s overall development by weighing them and recording their data. A few of the volunteers who went to the Casa Materna in Santa Domingo got to witness a traditional live birth while assisting the nurses in the birthing process!
Dave taught a class on water testing
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Dave Heiser, a professional engineer and long-time supporter of Impact Global Health Alliance, provided classes to Impact Global Health Alliance Guatemala staff on water testing. Dave also worked with the local water council on increasing water access to the community. Sanitation and access to water have been ongoing issues in the community and remain big contributors to health problems.
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Engaging with the community
Throughout their stay, the volunteers had opportunities to engage in cross-cultural activities. Each night, the volunteers enjoyed an authentic Guatemalan dinner and listened to presentations by local community leaders. Among other presentations are the Comadronas (traditional midwives), leaders of the town council, civil war veterans, and medical professionals working at the Casa Materna. The volunteers also attended Chuj language classes and experienced the rich tapestry of Guatemalan artistry by visiting a local co-op where women weave locally harvested cotton into multi-colored threads to create hand-crafted clothing, blankets, and accessories.
A huge shout out to our volunteers!
The trip would not have been complete without the donations the volunteers made to the Casa Materna. Donations included baby clothes, medications, and medical supplies. In 9 days at the Casa Materna and surrounding areas, the volunteers and local staff formed a cohesive familia. Additionally, they worked together with the community to improve the health and well-being of the local mothers and children.
You can support the Casa Materna project on our Global Giving page or by making a donation through our website.
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Author: Monica Harrington, Impact Global Health Alliance Global volunteer
