Manuel Felipe (Don Manuel) is 60 years old, and with his wife they raised 8 children. Seven years ago, one of his sons invited him to participate in the construction of wood-saving stoves for Habitat for Humanity Guatemala. Since then, Don Manuel has been working with us not only in the construction of stoves, but also in other Habitat projects such as sanitary latrines and houses in different parts of the country, together with families and volunteer groups.

Don Manuel always had the dream of building his own house and once he achieved it, he realized that he loved building and that this allowed him to help other people who needed support in their search for decent housing and services.

Don Manuel mentions that what he likes most about working with Habitat is “the idea of building dreams for future generations”. He also loves being able to work with the national and international volunteer brigades, because of the experiences and learning that they acquire together.

Don Manuel says he is very grateful for the opportunity Habitat gave him to be part of its team of masons – “I love to build, and I am in love with my work”.

The Maldonado family, residing in the village of Swich Quebrada, Morales, Izabal, was selected for a life-changing Chicken Coop project. The family had been struggling to generate a stable income making it difficult to provide sufficient nutrition for their household. However, with the introduction of the chicken coop, their lives took a positive turn. The project provided them with a sustainable source of nutritious eggs and meat, transforming their nutrition and bolstering their family income. 

Before the chicken coop project, the Maldonado’s meals were often limited to basic staples, lacking in essential nutrients. However, with the coop’s implementation, they now had a consistent supply of fresh eggs. These nutrient-dense eggs became a staple in their diet, improving their overall nutrition and contributing to better health and well-being. The surplus eggs were also sold in the local market, providing an additional source of income for the family. They are now an inspiring example in their community, not only for their improved quality of life but also for their resilience and determination in overcoming challenges. 

By creating sustainable change, we can become agents of transformation, uplifting communities and fostering resilience. We extend our deepest gratitude to the SK2 Fund that made this project a reality for the Maldonado family and countless others like them. Your compassion and support have planted seeds of hope and empowerment within their hearts.

Together, we can continue to nurture a future where every family can thrive and flourish. 

“On behalf of the community, we thank you all for providing us with this project. May God bless.” – Yanida Acevedo.  

Meet María Ruano, resident of the Skipper Habitat Colony in Usumatlán, Zacapa. For years, María and her family faced the daily struggle of not having regular access to piped water.  

But one day, everything changed. A project supported by donors like the Rotary Club aimed to bring access to household water to all the members of the community. 

The project involved the installation of a centralized water tank. Despite the challenges and physical labor involved, the sense of unity and purpose among the community kept them motivated. 

After 1 year, the day finally arrived when water flowed through the newly laid pipes, reaching every household in the community. It was a moment of joy and celebration for the Ruano’s and their fellow neighbors. The sound of running water echoed through the community, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. 

And so, the Ruano’s family’s story became a tale of resilience, community spirit, and the profound significance of having access to clean water. Their lives were changed, their dreams rekindled, and their hearts filled with gratitude for the life-giving resource that had become an integral part of their daily existence.