Guatemala City, Guatemala

March 2007

HELPS INTERNATIONAL continues to strengthen important alliances with Guatemalan leadership.  In an effort to consolidate support, avoid duplication of efforts and maintain consistency between program goals and local priorities, the HELPS field office in Guatemala makes a concerted effort in this regard.

Not only does HELPS International in Guatemala maintain close relationships with a network of over 100 local municipalities, non-governmental organizations and other development associations such as the First Lady´s Office on Social Programs (SOSEP), but it has created a unique program of alliances among private sector leadership in development.

By inviting a select group of foundations and corporations interested in investing in the business of poverty reduction, HELPS is spearheading an integrated approach to breaking the cycle of poverty in the rural communities of Guatemala

HELPS has established this alliance with CEMENTOS PROGRESO, CEMACO, DISAGRO, FUNDACION INFANTIL RONALD MCDONALD DE GUATEMALA, FUNDACION PANTALEON AND SHELL GUATEMALA.  In addition to this core group, HELPS is also working closely with the American Chamber of Commerce, the local affiliate of United Way, FONDO UNIDO de GUATEMALA, the private sector think tank on education, EMPRESARIOS POR EDUCACION, and the American School of Guatemala,  as well as the aforementioned office for the First Lady's Social Programs.    Each one of the alliances and collaborative relationships is designed to strengthen the efforts being carried out under the four pillars of HELPS development approach:  health, community development, education and economic development.  These alliances represent the input, priorities and resources of some of the most influential and committed leadership available in the country. 

HELPS INTERNATIONAL is proud to represent the investment of Guatemala's current and future leaders in the urgent priority to reduce the levels of poverty in the country's rural population.