Tropical Storm Julia

Some reflections on our aid projects

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About two years ago, our cooperatives in Quiché and Huehuetenango were locally hit by a tropical storm. Again, several bridges were destroyed, many roads collapsed, some villages were cut off, numerous small producers not only lost part of their crops, but even of their plantations.

In some districts, the responsible authorities tried to repair the roads at state expense. Furthermore, private companies made their machines available to support the work, and as it always happens, the affected people themselves immediately lent a hand with shovel and pickaxe.

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Meanwhile, more than a month has passed. Fortunately, the situation has improved significantly. Access to food is guaranteed everywhere. However, prices have risen so much that it is difficult for the poorest to afford them.

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In such cases, the UGK Foundation receives numerous requests for financial help. This is causing us problems, because as the social arm of Fedecocagua, we receive most of the funds from the Federation. In these days, their project with USAID is about to be completed after 5 years, which means that in the case of a natural disaster access to emergency funds is lost, and staff is reduced. In addition, the global economic situation causing a once more volatile market is making coffee trading more difficult. Fedecocagua's managers always look positively at our activities and support the UGK Foundation with around one million Quetzales per year (currently around €130,000). We thank them for this and understand that not all wishes can be fulfilled in the current situation. With this in mind, we also ask our applicants to understand our position.

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With the help of customers and friends of Fedecocagua, we are trying to set up an emergency relief fund that might be used primarily in the event of natural disasters. With the funds currently available, we were able to support the Hoja Blanca and Cocolense cooperatives in the department of Huehuetenango with 25,000 quetzales each (€3,250) enabling them to use a machine  to restore the roads.

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Let's end this information with positive news: despite the rain, the Covenorte Cooperative (Nebaj, Quiché) installed the roof on the new warehouse. The building is now about 90% complete. The members' dream will be 100% realized when the floor plate is cemented, the water and electricity supplies are complete and the gates are in place. We will report about it!