During past humanitarian trips to Guatemala, Aiken Rotary Club member Lyn Kenney despaired over the needs of a small mountain village - where more than 15 children could not walk.
She and Rotarians from three clubs visited again last month, and Kenney was overjoyed to see the children. Twelve of them can now walk, the result in part through the medical equipment the clubs provided with the support of Rotary's western South Carolina District that includes Aiken County.
The Rotarians also "provided worktables so a physical therapist can volunteer there," Kenney said. "What's significant is that many of these children were ostracized in the community. Once they could walk, there has almost been an acceptance toward their families. We also provided wheelchairs for those who cannot walk."
The others on the trip included Chuck Munns and Del Hickey, Aiken Rotary Club; Bruce Hoover, Aiken Sunrise Rotary Club; and Mike Pereyo and Jim Huff, North Augusta Rotary Club. Rotarians from Guatemala and civic groups from America and other countries also have been involved. Batesburg-Leesville also has two clubs in the immediate area.
Munns has coordinated the logistics of past Rotary trips to Guatemala and wanted to visit the country himself. The school in the community is located on the side of a volcano, and its eruptions burned the school about five years ago. Since then, the Rotarians have helped make possible a rebuilt school.
"There are about 66 schoolchildren, and there are classes at night for 70 of their parents," Munns said. "It has really made an impact, and they're proud of all the painting and learning, with a lot of smiles."
Public health is a crucial issue in the village. With wood as the only source of heat for cooking, the families have cut down trees in the vicinity of a lake - contributing to landslides. For that and other sanitary reasons, the lake had become more and more polluted. In their tiny huts, the ongoing fires have led to smoke that continuously rolls around the room, Huff said - resulting in contamination 75 times higher than the maximum cited by the Environmental Protection Agency in the U.S.
"It's mind-boggling the things of life we take as mundane that are far beyond their reach," Huff said.
New initiatives such as reforesting began last year. More recently, 40 ecological stoves can be used by many families and far more safely. Latrines provide bags that can be recycled without adding to the pollution. With all the efforts to assist the villagers, "I thought it was wonderful," Hoover said. "There were a great bunch of Rotarians down there. People were happy to see us and thank us. The women were dressed in their best. It was fun and gratifying."
Hickey, also taking her first trip to Guatemala, found the experience life-changing.
"It was very dramatic, seeing what Rotary and its international connections can do," she said. "With the local Rotarians, we are working toward helping people in their community with (projects) that are sustainable."
Rob Novit is the education reporter.