Hazleton Rotary is proud to announce that they donated $2,000.00 towards the Aqua Caliente Global Grant which provides a complete water system for 290 families in need in Aqua Caliente, Guatamala.
President Donna Barna says, “Previously, Hazleton Rotary was able to sponsor 5 clean international projects, through a very generous donation by The Ballard Society. We are so pleased that we could help with this current project for those now in need.” She continues, “When people have access to clean water and sanitation, diseases decrease, children stay healthier and attend school more regularly, and mothers can spend less time carrying water and more time helping their families. This is important to everyone, everywhere.”
On December 24, 2020 (Christmas Eve) the $130,457 for this Global Grant was electronically deposited in the bank account established by the Rotary Club of La Antigua, GUA. Despite the many restrictions placed upon us by the Corona virus pandemic, it is a true testament to the perseverance of Rotarians in reaching the funding goal. When completed, this project will benefit 290 families (approximately 1,827 residents) by providing the funds for the materials required to construct a complete water system with spigots at every household, 290 gray water filters and 153 vented improved pit latrines for the families without these facilities. All labor to construct the project will be provided by the men and women in Agua Caliente, as construction has now started being overseen by our NGO Cooperating Partner, ABPD, and members of the Host RC of La Antigua, GUA.
The second approved Global Grant for the village of Paxorotot needs approximately $35,000 in contributions to fully fund its $107,258 budget. Now that we are in a new year, those clubs that were not able to generate the funds to contribute to Agua Caliente are requested to consider doing so for our second Global Grant.
When residents of the village were informed of the fund’s arrival, they expressed their sincere appreciation for this extraordinary “Christmas present” provided by the collective effort of many Rotarians. Following are some of their comments.
Oscar Santos Simón Roquel “I am the president of Agua Caliente COCODE. Almost 300 families don’t have access to enough water in the community. We build our water system more than 30 years ago and it was designed for less than 200 families. Thanks to the support from ABPD and The Rotary Foundation our dream of having water is becoming true.”
Francisco Chalí Chonay: 
“We have suffered very much because the lack of water, but with the support from The Rotary Foundation and ABPD we know the water access will be possible soon, the community families are anxious to start the work on the water system, latrines and gray water filters, all this will help our health, especially our children’s.” 
“We have suffered very much because the lack of water, but with the support from The Rotary Foundation and ABPD we know the water access will be possible soon, the community families are anxious to start the work on the water system, latrines and gray water filters, all this will help our health, especially our children’s.”