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The HELPS Programs Make Headlines In TELEVISA Newscast!
On Monday, February 18, 2008, Galavision in the US aired TELEVISA's four-part series filmed by the award- winning journalist Alberto Tinoco Guadarrama and his crew in January, 2008. The series showed the world HELPS International's programs in action in Guatemala.
Because of Mr. Tinoco's special report, the audience can see through his eyes how HELPSī operations have worked in Guatemala. Mr. Tinoco himself observed that in some parts of the world people build walls, but HELPS, through its staff and volunteers, have built bridges of hope for indigenous communities that, before, did not have the opportunity to be included in the world's development.
According to Mr. Tinoco Guadarrama, what happens in the village of Santa Avelina in Guatemala does not happen in other poor communities of the world. Villagers in Santa Avelina are offered opportunities to improve their quality of life by participating in HELPS programs in healthcare, education, agriculture and special projects (ONIL Stove, Nixtamal Stove, ONIL Water Filter, ONIL Cooker). And now these four programs that HELPS has established in Guatemala are going to be offered in Mexico. Villagers spoke directly into the camera about how their way of living has improved to the point that they are not interested in immigrating to the United States; they have what they need to live, and, most important to them, that they are close to their families, their culture, and their traditions.
In education, the special report shows how the Willaim M. Botnan Primary School in Santa Avelina offers students bilingual education: first in their native Mayan language and then in Spanish. Indigenous teachers apply the latest teaching techniques led by Rosa Cordova, the school's administrator. School supplies are donated by individuals and private organizations, and with computer media in classrooms, the students are connected to the world just as our own kids.
Through Mr. Tinoco's lens, viewers see what HELPS believes in and how HELPS works by providing technological devices and community development strategies to communities in remote villages. HELPS always respects native traditions and native culture, in offering ways to not only cover basic economic needs, but teaches people how to invest in the future and a better tomorrow.
As a professional in his field, Alberto Tinoco told the HELPS story based only on what he saw and his conversations with people from the community. At HELPS we are very grateful for his professionalism; it has been invaluable to HELPS to have a person the caliber of Alberto Tinoco showing the positive impact that HELPS programs have had in Guatemala's rural communities, and the bright future that HELPS programs will offer in Mexican rural and semi-rural communities.
Viewer response to the telecast has been enthusiastic and very encouraging. |
