Our women's health training team:
Suzanne Greenleaf, overall coordinator
Jean Marconett, health training leader – nutrition
Carol Haug, health training leader – self-esteem
Sandy Guyse, health training leader -- water
Jayne Komadina, health training leader – back strengthening
Sheila Kiscaden, interpreter for sessions and surveys
Lynn Guenette, survey developer and coordinator
Janet Van Benthuysen – child care & chief puppeteer
Mary Schmidt – child care
Mary Moen – child care
Susan Waughtal – photographer
Julie Rodakowski – certificates and documentation writing
The primary purpose of the women's team has been to provide health care training for the women in the three Mayan communities (Pocohil, Chicua, and Xepocol).
We worked collaboratively with three dynamic Guatemalan leaders from an NGO entitled Fundacion Herencia Viva (Karla, Angie, Thomasa). This newly formed NGO chose the three locations (places that received the stoves and the help in latrine building) and skillfully guided the entire process.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TRAINING AND COMMENTS FROM THE WOMEN:
The Mayan women loved the picture-laden health training booklet. This booklet, developed by several members of our team, colorfully summarized all of the information presented at the health training sessions. The women carefully read the text of the book which they were able to keep, pondering every word and picture.
QUOTE: I've never had my own book before.
The women believed their water was safe, but according to testing done by Sandy Guyse, the water was contaminated. Thus, the training on how important clean water was to their family's health and guidance on how to purify the water was valuable.
QUOTE: I didn't know that I had to boil the drinking water all the time.
Everyone laughed and laughed with and at Jayne as she demonstrated some exercises to help strengthen their backs. Several of the women indicated they had chronic back pain.
QUOTE: I didn't know I could do anything to make my back feel better.
The women loved the section on self-esteem, and thoroughly enjoyed making the bead necklaces that were JUST FOR THEM! Carol's self-esteem session left them all feeling good about themselves.
QUOTE: Come and see my necklace!
The Mayan children loved the child care sessions – a necessary addition to the program so that the women could focus on the presentations. They enjoyed having stories read to them, "talking" with Janet's monkey puppet, playing games, and going on a kiddie parade through their pueblo.
QUOTE: When will you come back again?
THE BOTTOM LINE: HEALTHY & STRONG WOMEN MAKE HEALTHY FAMILIES
We worked collaboratively with three dynamic Guatemalan leaders from an NGO entitled Fundacion Herencia Viva (Karla, Angie, Thomasa). This newly formed NGO chose the three locations (places that received the stoves and the help in latrine building) and skillfully guided the entire process.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TRAINING AND COMMENTS FROM THE WOMEN:
The Mayan women loved the picture-laden health training booklet. This booklet, developed by several members of our team, colorfully summarized all of the information presented at the health training sessions. The women carefully read the text of the book which they were able to keep, pondering every word and picture.
QUOTE: I've never had my own book before.
The women believed their water was safe, but according to testing done by Sandy Guyse, the water was contaminated. Thus, the training on how important clean water was to their family's health and guidance on how to purify the water was valuable.
QUOTE: I didn't know that I had to boil the drinking water all the time.
Everyone laughed and laughed with and at Jayne as she demonstrated some exercises to help strengthen their backs. Several of the women indicated they had chronic back pain.
QUOTE: I didn't know I could do anything to make my back feel better.
The women loved the section on self-esteem, and thoroughly enjoyed making the bead necklaces that were JUST FOR THEM! Carol's self-esteem session left them all feeling good about themselves.
QUOTE: Come and see my necklace!
The Mayan children loved the child care sessions – a necessary addition to the program so that the women could focus on the presentations. They enjoyed having stories read to them, "talking" with Janet's monkey puppet, playing games, and going on a kiddie parade through their pueblo.
QUOTE: When will you come back again?
THE BOTTOM LINE: HEALTHY & STRONG WOMEN MAKE HEALTHY FAMILIES
(written by Julie Rodakowski, pictures by Susan Waughtal)
Julie and Susan-
ReplyDeleteI am applauding your efforts over and over again! The Women's Health Initiative is so important and the sharing of responses to your activities in this blog demonstrates the value of these programs.
Karla, Angie and Tomasa are invaluable to making the conections to get the word out.
While your work is coming to a close soon, keep the stories coming. I'd love to hear from the team what the next steps should be for the next group.
Peace, Kathy
trainings like this provides a space for growth. I like that they have given emphasis on women's health.
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