Guatemala Overview:

After almost three centuries as a Spanish colony, Guatemala won its independence in 1821. During the second half of the 20th century, it experienced a variety of military and civilian governments as well as a 36-year guerrilla war. In 1996, the government signed a peace agreement formally ending the conflict, which had left more than 100,000 people dead and had created some 1 million refugees.

Guatemala is the largest and most populous of the Central American countries with a GDP per capita roughly one-half that of Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. The agricultural sector accounts for about one-fourth of GDP, two-thirds of exports, and half of the labor force. Coffee, sugar, and bananas are the main products. The 1996 signing of peace accords removed a major obstacle to foreign investment, but widespread political violence and corruption scandals continue to dampen investor confidence. The distribution of income remains highly unequal, with perhaps 75% of the population living below the poverty line. Other ongoing challenges include increasing government revenues, negotiating further assistance from international donors, upgrading both government and private financial operations, curtailing drug trafficking, and narrowing the trade deficit.

from left to right- Helene D. Gayle, M.D., M.P.H. (President Care Intl., Stephanie Jolluck, WIN Now, Maria Teresa Fraser Honorary Consul of Guatemala

According to a recent editorial in the "La Prensa Libre" (the most respected national newspaper) roughly 50% of the total population survives on $1 a day. The majority of the population are farmers who work on average 15 days a month and earn $2.50 a day when working. Teachers in “good jobs” earn roughly $210 a month but are only paid every 3 months. As well, they often work in far away villages and have to pay their own expenses for travel, food and materials. Net, they on average probably earn roughly $150 a month. The national minimum wage with required “bonuses” is roughly $150 for the service sector.

Proposed Timeline 2007

January event
A launch party to announce the creation of W.I.N NOW as well as its upcoming events for 2007, CARE International will be speaking at the dinner about their project in Guatemala.

June event

	Vision To educate our donors about CARE International, as well to give the donors an opportunity to contribute monetarily to the chosen project. Goals Create awareness of WIN NOW Educate public of Guatemala’s plight Fundraise Announce the “Don’t Throw It, Sew It” competition and fashion show

October Event
Don’t Throw It, Sew It” Competition and Fashion Show

Vision
To educate our donors about Pueblo a Pueblo and their projects as well as to give the donors an opportunity to contribute monetarily

Goals

• Create awareness of WIN NOW
• Educate public of a specific Pueblo a Pueblo project
• Fundraise
• Announce the next event in the spring