Update on Juana Calel's Story

By: Emily Willard

Original Story HERE

Two weeks ago the Guatemala Human Rights Commission had a delegation to go Guatemala. While they were there they met with Juana and her family. They have relocated to Guatemala City in order to escape the daily threats on Juana's life. Juana is living in Guatemala City with her mother, father and 7 of her 9 siblings. (the two eldest boys stayed with her grandmother in their home town).

The delegation was able to deliver messages of support that I collected as well as friendship bracelets that I made for her and her supporters here in the US. Apparently it was the first time that she had smiled in weeks, she loved the letters and the bracelet. She is now attending a new school with the help of some donations. (See the photos attached of Juana wearing the bracelet)

Many of you have asked about donations, so, to let you know, there have been two funds set up if you would like to donate to Juana and her family in order to help them stay in Guatemala City where they are safe, as well as send the kids to school.

#1 Through Guatemalan Human Rights Commission:
Go to www.ghrc-usa.org for a tax-deductible donation. Put "Human Rights Defenders Relocation Program" in the message box. This money will go to moving costs, rent, food, and education for Juana and her family.


#2 Through St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in Annapolis, Maryland, specifically for the children's education:
Send checks to:
“Educational Funding for the Children of Dislocated Human Rights Defenders"
Attn: Rev. Stewart Lucas
Guatemalan Human Rights Defenders Fund
St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church
1601 Pleasant Plains Road
Annapolis, Maryland 21409-5928

If you want to make a donation to the St. Margaret's fund through paypal online, send it to the emilyawillard@aol.com account, and it will be transferred over. There are also receipts available by request for tax deductions.

You all know me and you know I never ask for money for anything. This is something that is very important and even the smallest bit can help.(Thank you to those of you who already have) If you cannot give at this time I understand, keeping her in your thoughts and prayers (if you pray) is also very important.

If you would like a friendship bracelet to wear in solidarity with Juana, please send me your mailing address and I will make one to send to you.

Thank you for everything and all of your support. In peace,
Emily

Juana's Mom; Amanda Martin, Director of GHRC-USA; Juana; her brother; Juana's Dad