Ixil Trip (4): Touching Tzibanay

In 2020, storms Eta and Iota hit Guatemala. The extreme precipitation flooded rivers and caused landslides all around the country. In the Ixil Region, the small village of Tzibanay was very affected. One of the hills around the village landslided and destroyed the house and plantations of some of the families. The main water pipe that serves the village was also damaged.

APEI supported the school of Tzibanay in the past. Unsually, they didn't construct the school as the building was financed by the EU. Yet APEI overtook then the school's management to transfer it later to the Government. Today, a student from this village is studying in the Middle School of Sumalito Village, which is run by APEI.

Because of this close connection to the community in Tzibanay, APEI decided to exceptionally support non-educational measures and financed the material to build houses for the two families that lost it all. Water filters were also donated for people to have access to water after the break of the main pipe. Additionally, laundry sinks were given to some families to prevent them from washing their laundry directly into the river.

When we arrived, one of the community leaders recognized Martin and greeted him very warmly. The man almost broke in tears when saying thank you to Martin for all the help that APEI has given to Tzibanay in the last years. This was a very touching moment.

After the children got to break the piñatas, the community's leaders organized a small event with some speeches and a pray by the local priest. The prayer was also a very emotional moment for the people gathered. The replacement houses were also officially delivered and the laundry sinks and some bags with staple food were distributed at the event as well.

On our way back to Acul, one of the conversations ended up with Martin reflecting with us about the role of APEI in his life. He finished saying :
"From working with APEI, I have received more than I have ever given."

Another touching moment concluded our day in Tzibanay.

***Note: The opinions expressed in this blog are based on my personal experience during this trip and are only mine. They do not represent the opinion of Asociación Amigos Para las Escuelas Ixiles (APEI) or that of any my fellow travelers.Read more