The sun was setting over Rio Dulce by the time we stepped off the bus from Antigua. A bridge stretched between the bus stop and Hotel Backpackers, where my boyfriend and I stayed during our visit at Casa Guatemala. We'd been in Guatemala for a few days and the crate we brought to donate to the orphanage was getting heavier every day. It was filled with basic necessities such as vitamins, hand sanitizer and school supplies. And we were excited to finally meet the kids who would hopefully benefit from our small gift.
After checking in, we made arrangements to visit the orphanage the following morning. Hotel Backpackers was actually established to assist in the cost of living at Casa Guatemala, and many of the older children work at the hostel in order to learn more about the tourism industry. We informed them that we brought disposable cameras and were interested in doing a photography project with the kids. We wanted to allow them the chance to photograph their world, through their eyes.
The following day, we took a tour of the sprawling children's home and were very impressed. Casa Guatemala boasts large gardens filled with vegetables and fruit, something I have not witnessed at other orphanages. According to their Web site, Casa Guatemala survives almost solely on donations, as they have no political or governmental affiliation.
I recently received an e-mail from them saying they may have to close down due to a significant decrease in donations during the present economy. They employ many local people at the orphanage and have been unable to pay them.
Under my bed was a bag filled with the disposable cameras we let the kids use. Because my own wallet has been pretty thin as of late, I hadn't developed the cameras yet. I did, however, have money set aside in an account for a trip to Africa to help orphanages in Ghana. Because the situation at Casa Guatemala requires immediate assistance, I've decided to use some of that money to help where I can. The photos have now been developed, and they are quite incredible.
If you are interested in purchasing prints, please e-mail me at
kimberly.foli@yahoo.com. I'm asking for a suggested donation of $10 per print, but feel free to give whatever you feel is necessary. Each donation will be sent to Casa Guatemala.
