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 Xela AID has been named "Top Rated" by Great Non Profits for the fourth year running. This is based largely on reviews from our volunteer trip participants who we thank for having taken the time to share their reviews. A special Xela AID thank you to Luis Enrique de León and our entire team in Guatemala for all that they do to prepare a wonderful trip experience for our volunteers. Our deepest gratitude also to our Trip Leaders who make it happen stateside. Those include our newest Trip Leaders Dr. Steve Kent, Xela AID Board Chair Sue Rikalo and Arlene Corral (2016); Cliff Hague, Shelby Churchill, Amy Logan and Tara Love (2015); and long-time Trip Leader with Leslie Baer, Mel Dinkel. Thank you for all the loving effort that has earned Xela AID this coveted designation! Read Xela AID reviews HERE.
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Cal State Fullerton Students
Take On Guatemala
Adventure Minions after a hike to Cerro de la Cruz, a point that looks out across all of Antigua, Guatemala.
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Xela AID kicked off the summer with another extraordinary volunteer trip to San Martin Chiqito, Guatemala, with its partner California State University, Fullerton. Professor Chris Ruiz-Velasco led a group of nine bright students who chose the group name “Adventure Minions.”
The Minions visited coffee and macadamia nut plantations and experienced Antigua before heading to Quetzaltenango and San Martín to volunteer. In the village they took part in fun and meaningful projects including teaching English, delivering in-home water filters, art with children, building chicken coops, and more. The Minions were the first volunteer group to receive a back-strap weaving class with the women from Xela AID’s Tesoros del Corazón.
“The students jumped in with both feet and performed each project with love and passion,” said Arlene Corral, Program Coordinator for Xela AID who traveled as a Cal State Fullerton student last year before joining the staff.
“This was such a rich and rewarding experience!” said volunteer Delaney McNamara. ‘’I learned so much from Xela AID and the people of San Martin. I would definitely recommend the trip to others.”
Xela AID deeply appreciates Professor Chris, and for their heartfelt work, all of the Adventure Minions: Breena Becerra, Eunice Castro, Sufia Jafery, Delaney McNamara, Emilio Molina, Tamarrah Nguyen, Edna Ramos, Julia Tims and Javier Ulloa.
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Featured "Angels" Carlos and Claudia
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Carlos de la Rosa and Claudia Nocke with WSS sponsored student Gricelda Garcia and her mother Julia Garcia.
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When Carlos de La Rosa and his wife Claudia Nocke began sponsoring children in Xela AID's Work Study Scholarship (WSS) program, they jumped in with both feet—and three students!
“When we began supporting Isabel, Griselda and Julia, we never knew how much this was going to change their lives, and ours,” says Carlos.
The couple first traveled as volunteers with Xela AID in 2005, and soon, Carlos joined the Xela AID Board of Directors. The couple soon decided to sponsor the girls and become “Xela AID Angels,” a decision they never regretted.
“Over the years we have seen them grow into successful young women,” Carlos recalls, noting that each beat the odds given their backgrounds and economic situations. "They succeeded through their extraordinary efforts," he said, continuing.
“They were three very shy girls, a little scared and introverted, and we saw their spirits and intellects set free by the power of education and self-improvement! We could not be more proud of these three young women or more grateful to Xela AID for giving us the opportunity to help them change their lives.”
Ditto to you, Carlos and Claudia! Thank you for your generosity and long-term support for these three lucky girls who are now, young women.
Check out photos of Carlos, Claudia and the girls HEREWant to become an Angel Now?
Click HERE to meet Children Seeking Sponsors.
Click HERE for information on our WSS Program. |
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Thank you for your interest and support!
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