Three members of the Rotary Club of Wilmette Harbor spent a week during January building a high school library, bunk beds and computer tables in the Rio Dulce river region of eastern Guatemala.
JJ Hanley, Puran Stevens and George Carpenter travelled with 21 other Rotarians from northern Illinois by plane, bus and boat to reach the remote Ak Tenamit community, literally New Village in the Mayan language.
Former New Trier student, Steve Dudenhofer, originally founded Ak Tenamit 18 years ago to serve the educational and basic health care needs of indigenous Mayan people living in 36 isolated river villages. The school is attended by 300 young Mayan men and 300 young Mayan women who, without Ak Tenamit, would have no opportunity for education beyond 5th grade.
Rotarians in District 6440 have been supporting Ak Tenamit for four years. This was Puran Stevens second year on the service trip with Rotary. Stevens, who is the retired Director of the U.S. Bahai Refugee Office said The indigenous Mayan people have so little, and quality education is one part of the strategy for empowering them. She explained that the school curriculum is based on gender equality, social justice and conflict resolution skills.
For Hanley, the founder of JJslist.com, this was a first trip. A big part of the school mission is to educate and empower women, while preserving the native culture, the founder of JJs List said. This school is making a positive difference where it is greatly needed.
Noting that exposure to Ak Tenamit changed his view of the world and of his place in it, Carpenter, Wilmettes former police chief said This was the hardest physical work I have done since I was about 19, but probably the best I have felt because their appreciation is so evident.
The Rotary Club of Wilmette Harbor has 65 members who are committed to local and international humanitarian projects. Further information about those projects and membership information can be found at www.wilmetteharborrotary.org.
Additional information about Ak Tenamit can be found at www.aktenamit.org.GT.
