JUNE UPDATE Keeping the Local Economy Afloat

After three months of a nationwide lockdown in Guatemala, COVID-19 cases are rising quickly and the economic impacts of the shutdown are growing at an alarming rate. Santa Cruz, whose primary industry is tourism, is being hit particularly hard. In response, Amigos has turned to programs that create jobs, putting people to work on socially-distanced projects that benefit the local community. These local fishermen all lost their ability to earn a living by traveling to other towns to sell fish due to COVID travel restrictions. Amigos’ Economic Reactivation Program is now employing them to plant tul, a water-based grass-like plant that helps to filter harmful pollutants and protect the ecosystem of the lake. They are earning an income to support their families while helping improve the health of Lake Atitlán.

Tablets are Enabling Education for Children Without Home Internet Only 8% of children participating in our Early Education Reading Program have internet access in their homes, creating a significant barrier to at-home learning during this long school closure. So starting in June, we began distributing tablets with pre-downloaded learning videos made by our staff, lessons and apps. In addition to the books that we continue to distribute, Santa Cruz children will now have access to educational technology to keep them engaged and learning throughout the year.

Putting Food on the Table of Santa Cruz's Most Vulnerable Amigos food deliveries continue to reach the most vulnerable citizens of Santa Cruz, as well as families with no source of income and unable to feed their children. Our list keeps growing with each passing week. Amigos is committed to ensuring that Santa Cruz’s most vulnerable can put food on their table. We have delivered food to over 450 families so far, and will continue to do so as the crisis continues.

Supplying an Under-Equipped Medical System The number of new COVID-19 cases is increasing dramatically across Guatemala, with cases now confirmed in almost every municipality on Lake Atitlán apart from Santa Cruz. While we are glad to still be virus-free, we do not realistically expect that to last for long. Amigos continues to donate medical supplies to the four local health centers, police, relief workers and community members. These supplies include digital thermometers, masks made by our CECAP artisans, antibacterial gel and gloves.

We are grateful for your generous donations made over the past three months, which have allowed our COVID-19 emergency support programs to be able to serve the needs of the people of Santa Cruz during this difficult time. Thank you.

amigosdesantacruz.org info@amigosdensantacruz.org

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