Why MOST in Guatemala?

Why Guatemala? Why Huehuetenango? The answers start with Rotary International and two of it’s objectives:

• to encourage and foster the development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;
• to foster the advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace through a world fellowship of individuals united in the ideal of service.

“Acquaintance as an opportunity” is key. In the over 100 years since it was founded Rotary has developed a system that works to provide humanitarian service and sustain the benefits. The system is to work with the people, to form a partnership and for Rotarians to give of themselves along with financial assistance. The acquaintance with Rotarians in Huehuetenango started almost 10 years ago with a Central American Project Fair held that year in Guatemala. This is a match-making event where local Rotarians in Central American meet to discuss their needs and suggest projects as they talk with American and Canadian Rotarians who are looking for the “opportunity for service”.

The Rotary in Huehuetenango partnership with Rotary District 6000 started in 2004 with a clean water project at a small village in the mountains. While checking on that project and meeting with some of the leaders of the community it was noticed that one gentleman had a cleft lip. Our Rotary District 6000 Governor, Gary Pacha, asked him if any others had a lip like his. The reply was, “Many”, and the seed for Iowa MOST was planted. The partnership between Rotary clubs in different countries that started as an “acquaintance” grew to a “fellowship of individuals united in the ideal of service” as several projects followed and expanded.

The need of the people of Guatemala matched with what we in MOST can give is important in answering why MOST is in Huehuetenango. Guatemala has a significantly higher incidence of cleft lip and palate than the US and the families don’t have access to medical facilities where that surgery can be performed. The families served by MOST have very limited financial resources. There is a need and we have a gathering of individuals skilled in many ways who can help. Addressing this need is life-changing for the individuals. Cleft lip and palate results in difficulties in eating and verbally communicating ideas and being involved in many social interactions. Most of the individuals who come for surgery are children, many of whom have limited personal contact outside of their homes. A new and happier world is open for these children with the surgeries that MOST provides. The big answer to the question of why MOST is in Huehuetenango is because MOST can and does make a difference.