Solola, Guatemala

Solola, Guatemala is an SWB seasonal program

Program Background:

Sololá lies in the western part of Guatemala, where most of the indigenous people of Mayan origin live.  Thirty six years of undeclared civil war have created significant deficiencies in health and education services available to the population. Children, youth and women are most affected most by the lack of services and opportunities available.  For this reason, SWB Sololá, Guatemala focuses it's efforts to provide recreational and learning opportunities for indigenous youth in the Solola region.  Programming for girls, particularly programs that provide access to information about health and skill-building, are a current priority of the Government of Sololá as well as SWB.

Program Description: 

SWB began working in Santa Maria in the summer of 2008.  In the fall of the same year, SWB volunteers traveled to Solola to begin programming and establish a more permanent presence and activity schedule.  Currently a U15 boys team practices once a week through SWB and SWB hosts an annual coaches clinic for community members and leaders.  Between the months of January and June (the dry season) 1-2 practices per week, one game per week and three workshops covering themes ranging from health and nutrition to career connections to teamwork are available to girls in the program.

Program Partners:

ARQUITLAN

Centro Juvenil Waxaqi

Pujujil Community Council

Universidad del Valle de Guatemala

Program Staff:

Ben Gucciardi,  SWB Guatemala Program Co-Director: ben@soccerwithoutborders.org

Mary McVeigh,  SWB Guatemala Program Co-Director: mary@soccerwithoutborders.org

Luis Palacios, SWB Guatemala Local Director

Recent Highlights: