Local Rotarians, others, aim to help Guatemalans
A woman holds up a sanitary pad made from scrap cloth. (Photo provided)
A group of Montanans is helping bring feminine hygiene education to Guatemala next month, a “Pad Party.” They’re looking for more participants and donated materials.
Fire for Water is organizing the service trip with Bigfork, Columbia Falls and Cañon City Rotary Clubs. The project is led by Los Buenos Vecinos, an organization that helps establish handwash stations and water filtration systems. They also teach UNICEF Water and Sanitation Hygiene, which includes menstrual hygiene and fundamentals to reduce waterborne diseases.
“It’s a positive experience for both people... We teach them something they can replicate and try to reinforce through repetition and presence to keep their girls in school so that they can achieve more,” said Serena Keller of Bigfork Rotary, who has participated in the trip before.
Dr. Linda Carlson of Colorado, who has led groups to Nepal, Senegal, India and Greenland to educate on menstruation and feminine hygiene, will guide the other travelers. They will travel across five villages to lead local workshops.
The group plans to teach Guatemalans how to sew a simple washable menstrual pad of flannel and a polyurethane lining. The pattern is very basic, and will be completed with treadle sewing machines, which do not require electricity. Parents and teachers are then able to take their knowledge back and assist their girls in handling menstruation in a public setting, which helps them to stay in school longer.
There is a need for used, well-washed flannel, threads, needles, cutting tools and board. Donations can be dropped off at Valley Maintenance and Property Management in Bigfork, Teakettle Women’s Clinic and Heaven’s Peak Healthcare in Columbia Falls, or Sassafras gift store in Kalispell. Funds to help ship these materials to Guatemala are also needed.
Besides volunteering, travelers will also have the opportunity to experience the World Heritage site of Antigua Guatemala, visit Lake Atitlan to homestay with the Mother Weavers, make chocolate and practice back-loom weaving. They may also tour the iconic ancient city of Tikal and climb a volcano. Three more people are needed for a full team, with the opportunity for more attendees.
“I haven’t ever talked to anybody that didn’t come away a better person,” said project coordinator Dave Renfrow.
Base costs are $2,050, and registration should be completed as soon as possible to ensure a flight is booked.
Trip dates are Jan. 19 through Feb. 1. Donations will be accepted until Jan. 12. For more information and to enroll, contact Keller at serenanba@gmail.com. Sewing questions can be directed to Carlson at lindacarlsonphd@hotmail.com, and tourism questions to Renfrow at buenosvecinosusa@gmail.com.