From Awareness to Action: The Inspiring Journey of Lois and Ken in Guatemala
In 1991, Lois made her first of many trips to Guatemala. She loved the country but the profound poverty gnawed at her. Ken retired in 2006 and made his first visit in 2007. During that visit he was asked to help “build a house”. Ken’s answer was, “this shouldn’t take too long.” That first house was built in July, 2008. Lois and Ken made a permanent move to Guatemala in November, 2008, from Naples, Florida.
They couldn’t ignore what they saw. In every village there was an absence of running water, no available medical care, chronic malnutrition in children, houses with dirt floors, women cooking over open fires, and contaminated drinking water causing diarrhea and death in children.
The couple founded People for Guatemala, Inc., in 2010, for the purpose of raising awareness and donations in the United States for projects in Guatemala. The couple volunteer their time for People for Guatemala, Inc., and for the Guatemala organization, United for Health and Education in Guatemala.
The Timeline
November 2008
– Ken and Lois move to Guatemala
August 2010
– People for Guatemala is founded!
2010
– 25 scholarships awarded. The scholarship program grew to 98 students in 2023.
2011
– Healthy Kitchen Project launched. Over 6,000 stoves have been installed.
October 2016
– Medical & Dental clinic opened in Santo Domingo
February 2018
– Learning & Skills Center opened in Santo Domingo. Vocational classes for sewing, baking, cooking, technology and English classes
January 2021
– Opened junior high school at the Learning & Skills Center for 40 students
October 2023
– Lois and Ken stopped working in San Martin, Jilotepeque. New focus to assist organizations working to improve health and education in villages closer to Antigua.
February 2024
– Began managing an after-school program for at-risk elementary school students in San Pedro Las Huertas. Continue to support health and education initiatives in rural villages.
