CHS Service Project is Back on Track

In the mornings, cars are lined up, students with backpacks are walking around, and some teachers are taking temperature while others are at their offices. Christian Academy of Guatemala is back to its normal system with fewer restrictions compared to the last two years. Now there are face-to-face interactions, students smiling and laughing under their masks, and this is all taking place safely, in real life. Not over a Zoom call or google meet.

Now students have their proper education at school where teachers have the opportunity to teach in a more comfortable environment. Moreover, there are clubs and events, where faculty, teachers, and students can interact and make long-lasting memories. As Harvest Fair is coming up within a few days, likewise an exciting event has happened to the Christian Honors Society. After two years, the officers of CHS were able to set up a service project at Mrs. Cojon’s children's home on the 23rd of October.

The main building where the children stayed. In front of it stands Team 1: Robert, Zach, Lydia, and Gustavo.

The children's home currently has 23 youths with ages varying from 3 to 20 years old, who were brought due to circumstances such as families being unable to support them or being abused. However, due to the good hearts of many people and teams, the kids have a place to sleep, eat, have friends, and most importantly have a place to call home.

The playground that is soon about to be transformed…

Before the process, there were a few problems found: the playground they enjoyed is old, dirt is going over neighbors’ walls due to heavy rain, and mold is growing on the walls. Therefore, help was needed, and the volunteers decided to assist.

After instructions were given by Johnathan Romero, the vice president of CHS, everyone grabbed their gloves and equipment and went to work. Team 2 worked bagging the sand and rocks; Team 1 dug up the soil; and Team 3 dismantled the playground (the main project). In the beginning, Team 3 focused on unscrewing the screws from the wood, later chipping the wood off when the nails and screws were stubbornly stuck to the wood. During the process, the hard workers could slowly see the results.

Taken by Mr. Gregory Malczewski: Two hammers and a pickaxe were broken, unfortunately. Despite this, the volunteers were able to work through it.

Every tick, there were more and more nails and screws in the bucket, along with wood continuously being piled up. After hammering the wood upwards, pulling nails with hammers, and taking out stones, it was 3 o'clock, when things had to be wrapped up. As expected, the results were good and worth it.

Before and After

Although service projects are essential since it is a way to develop engagement skills and leadership, it is crucial we do it with a good heart and attitude to assist others that need help.