By Marianna Coelho Uchoa, BA in International Relations
On November 21st, 2023, the Spartan Global Development Fund members had dinner with Professor Stenzel at her house with Tom, Vilma Garcia - one of our field partners, her two sons, and Carol & Paul - her host parents. Vilma Garcia is from Guatemala and comes to Michigan several times a year. She works three jobs and has received loans from us before. At this time, we had new members in the organization, so it was an excellent opportunity for the students and Vilma to get to know each other.
When everyone arrived, we took the opportunity to get to know one another. We started by introducing ourselves, our major, and the SGDF team we were in. Professor Stenzel mentioned how this year has the most diverse majors, with people coming from different backgrounds, all with one purpose – to help people.
In addition, Tom, Professor Stenzel’s friend, who works and lives in Guatemala, was there to get to know the students with the intention of reviving the study abroad program in Guatemala along with Professor Stenzel. He raised an important question: “Why did we join Spartan Global?”. Answers varied from joining because of a friend to being part of different groups and feeling we are helping the organization to getting experience in the field. Being able to reflect on why we are part of SGDF makes us remember the organization’s mission – being a support to communities most in need. Moreover, Carol and Paul shared their work with us. The main project they are currently working on is gathering Spanish books and taking them to public libraries and schools in Guatemala to increase the accessibility of Spanish books there.
After having amazing conversations, we ate dinner and heard more from Vilma. She brought goods from Guatemala from the “Cooperativa de las mujeres indígenas,” a group of Mayan women who make handmade wallets, backpacks, purses, and other items. Vilma and her host parents bring these items to the US to sell in a craft show to help these women reach new markets. Meeting Vilma and listening to her story is essential to maintaining these connections with field partners and different communities.