Focus Areas
Refuge International hopes to make a difference through collaborative and sustainable programs in whatever areas of the world there is a need. Our projects are focused primarily on basic healthcare, adequate nutrition, clean water and education.
Education
Guatemala has the lowest literacy rate in Latin America.
Through support of existing educational programs, our organization hopes to improve the level of education in Guatemala. Most villages only offer school through what we would consider the 6th grade. Children in small aldeas (villages) who wish to pursue further education must move to a larger pueblo (or town). The cost of living away from home and travel expenses make this cost prohibitive for most families.
Refuge currently supports 2 full-time teachers in Sarstun. The enrollment of children has more than tripled since the teachers have begun their work. A second school has been built on property owned by Refuge International. It has been exciting to see the growing committment to education in Sarstun.
There is a great need for all types of school supplies in Guatemala. Supplies are collected and shipped to schools in the areas where Refuge is currently working.
Water
Every 8 seconds a child dies from waterborne disease.
Through the development of safe and adequate water supplies,our organization hopes to improve the health of those affected. These water wells are sustainable by the Guatemalans, so there will be clean water even after we are gone. To date we have two drills in the country and are working to establish a team of drillers to "punch holes" in the earth all over Guatemala.
Water-related disease contributes to 4 million child deaths a year.
For $1500 you can provide water to an entire village. Let us know if you would like to adopt a village.
Health Care
Refuge
International works with local organizations to provide basic medical
and surgical care where needed. In Guatemala, Refuge International will
hold clinics in three hospitals in '08 providing medical and surgical
care to many thousands of people. In Kenya, Refuge International works
with local clinics and hospitals providing medical care to thousands
of people considered to be some of the poorest of the poor globally.
Refuge International's goal of deworming children will benefit the overall health of those treated. Intestinal worms flourish in malnourished children. Parasites prevent the absorption of nutrients. By ridding children of parasites, the food they are given can be more readily utilized to grow and fight off childhood illnesses.
Nutrition
Refuge International is seeking support for feeding programs in Guatemala. We distributed over 1 million meals to those who were affected by Hurricane Stan in 2005 with the help of USAID.
Refuge International's Vitamin Project will distribute over 1 million vitamins in 2006 to children, women of childbearing age and adults.
