CECI is launching a call for donations in support of its humanitarian intervention in Guatemala, reaching 5,000 people

Fuego Volcano Eruption in Guatemala

On June 3, 2018, Guatemala’s Fuego volcano erupted, bringing in its wake a significant humanitarian crisis. On June 4, the Guatemalan authorities declared a state of emergency for the departments of Chimaltenango, Escuintla and Sacatepéquez, and on June 7 they issued a call for international aid. In total, the tragedy is touching 1.7 million people.

• 109 people were killed, and notice of more casualties keep coming in.
• Some twenty villages were directly assaulted by ash and lava flow mixed with mud. 
• Several thousand people are still reported missing, as rescue teams struggle to access the disaster zones. 
• Over 3,357 people were evacuated and transferred to the rescue centres spread across the four neighbouring towns.

Established in Guatemala for the past 26 years, CECI possesses broad experience with emergency interventions, enjoying great capacity of action. 

From the very first day, CECI-Guatemala was in permanent contact with its established partners in the region, offering them all the support they need. We are working together with the local and national authorities, as well as with our partners from Guatemala and Canada, to bring things back to normal as quickly as possible. 

Leveraging its expertise in gender equality, CECI decided to gear its humanitarian action towards women and girls specifically:

• While providing access to water and other first necessities (hygiene kits and non-food kits), CECI will also act to prevent gender-based violence, sexual aggression and discrimination.

In situations of crisis, it is a fact that women unfortunately become even more vulnerable and at greater risk of falling prey to such acts. 

All funds raised will be added to those already committed by CECI to complete the following initiatives for 5,000 refugees and members of foster families in the departments of Escuintla and Sacatepéquez:

• Distribution of hygiene kits designed with women’s specific needs in mind; 
• Workshops for teenagers to become leaders in violence prevention and to ensure a safe environment and peaceful coexistence in the shelters and upon the return to their communities; 
• Psychosocial support for the disaster victims; 
• Creating recreative spaces for girls, in collaboration with Play For Peace; 
• Support to the reactivation of economic activities for displaced women entrepreneurs, helping them swiftly contribute to the expenses incurred by their foster families.

DONATE!