Guatemala – One result of the conference was the decision to work on establishing the International Day of Peace in Guatemala, to be celebrated every September 21st, which is the International Day of Peace, a service and volunteer day established by the United Nations.
Dr. Michael Lenaghan, Latin American Representative of SFP, shared his experience of implementing service projects at the University of Miami-Dade and SFP activities in the Dominican Republic.
Dr. Charles Phillips, International Director of Service for Peace, presented the “10 guidelines” that SFP implements in their projects, making each project a unique experience as well as benefiting all participating parties. An interesting aspect of these guidelines is that they not only apply to service projects but to every individual in society.
Time was given for the guests to look at the displays of service organizations working in Guatemala, to introduce themselves to the speakers and each other, and to create connections between their organizations.
National panelist Licda Vilma Yolanda Vargas spoke about her experience in social service, especially her work with the Santiaguito School in Santiago Atitlan Solola, and Licda. Catalina Soberanis, the first woman President of Congress in Guatemala, focused on leadership, giving a clear example of youth involvement in gang and drug related cases. She pointed out that young people are inevitably leaders even though their energy may not be properly focused. She suggests that with parental love young people can and will get more involved in service programs like the ones the conference attendees are organizing. These projects produce great results but need more cooperation from the Guatemalan youth to develop leadership in this way creating a better society.
Many thanks to the Peace Ambassadors and service organizations whose joint efforts have made this event possible. Let us work together to build a better Guatemala.
April 30, 2007