News from GRACES
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The end of a decade, a return to Guatemala, and the meaning behind my new tattoo
The stove smoke pierced my lungs at first breath outside the airport, the air heavy with pollution and the struggle to survive on what little resources exist. I found my name on a sign, held by Sergio, and he walked me to the small car of his cousin. Sitting in that car as we pulled away from the airport, I was uneasy. I was in another country — a country my uncle…
Home visits provide new perspective for mother, son who won trip at Quetzal Gala
Elizabeth Cole and her son, Taylor Steele, came to Guatemala for the first time the week of November 5. Cole’s bid won the all-expenses paid trip at the Quetzal Gala earlier this year. She hails from Salisbury, North Carolina, and elected to bring her 29-year-old son to experience the trip with her. Together, they participated in Escuela Integrada’s first Vision Trip, along with five other attendees. The purpose of the…
‘Status of the School’ update shows higher achievement rates, stronger management of instruction
Video: On Wednesday, Nov. 8, Escuela Integrada celebrated graduations for first and sixth grade. After diplomas were awarded, first grade students released balloons into the sky, each one carrying a small piece of paper with their dreams and wishes for the future. On Tuesday, Nov. 7, Bradler Santos, principal, and Hernan Garcia, project director, presented a “Status of the School” update and identified areas of need at the annual Supporters…
Celebrations, fellowship and future plans kick off annual Supporters Gathering in Antigua
The Quetzal Gala, Fiesta Guatemala, increased social media presence and new partnerships are just a few of the successes board members and supporters celebrated on the first day of the annual Supporters Gathering. Concurrently, a group of seven potential supporters visited Escuela Integrada to meet the teachers and staff as part of a vision trip. This is the first year the Supporters Gathering includes two tracks—vision and planning— designed to…
Onetime school dropout returns, becomes leader of girls program Proyecto Capaz
It took Ana Gabriela Lara Morales 11 years to finish 7th grade. The oldest of six, Morales was often responsible for her siblings, and cleaned and cooked for her family. Her father was an alcoholic, and her mother worked various jobs. The whole family, plagued with poverty, lived in one room. With few resources, education was not a priority, and Morales’ parents relied on her to help out around the…
Oprah Donates Shoes, Sunglasses for Quetzal Gala Auction
From The Salisbury Post: Oprah Winfrey has donated two items for auction at an upcoming gala next month in Salisbury. A pair of Nicholas Kirkwood pumps and a pair of Dita designer sunglasses will be up for grabs during the Quetzal Gala on Sept. 16 at the Country Club of Salisbury. This event raises money for the students of Escuela Integrada, a school in Antigua, Guatemala. GRACES is the Salisbury-based non-profit organization…