GUATEMALA: Milk production facility launches to improve nutrition for 1,700 youth
Don Bosco Center initiative supported by Rotary donations
GUATEMALA
(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Center in San Pedro Carchá, Guatemala, has launched a modern soy milk production facility, known locally as the “mechanical cow.” This initiative was made possible thanks to a donation from Rotary International, the Rotary Club of Cobán, Guatemala, and the Rotary Club of the South.
A Salesian explained, “The innovative facility will directly benefit more than 1,700 students by improving their nutrition through a more complete diet. The new system includes three main components including the soy milk production, refrigeration, and a bakery that produces nutritious cookies with soy by-products, using zero waste and full resource utilization.”
During an inauguration event, Engineer Byron Molina, president of the Rotary Club of Cobán, expressed his gratitude to the Don Bosco Center and Father Antonio de Groot, the project’s founder, for their openness and leadership. Diana Brown, governor of Rotary International District 4250 (USA), also attended and praised the impact of the Don Bosco Center in the region. She highlighted the importance of collaboration and ethics in serving those most in need.
Salesian missionaries working and living in the country have been providing for the basic needs of Guatemala’s youth while helping to break the cycle of poverty in their lives. They work extensively with youth and their families at youth centers, orphanages, parishes, and primary and secondary schools. They also operate technical schools, vocational training workshops and two universities in the country.
Rural poverty hasn’t changed much in Guatemala during the last 20 years, according to the World Bank. While 70% of Guatemalan citizens live below the poverty line, the number is as high as 91% for its Indigenous population. Many rural residents in Guatemala have only completed sixth grade. This is largely due to the expenses required to send children to schools which are often located far from their homes.
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Sources:
ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)
Salesian Missions – Guatemala
World Bank – Guatemala
