Entries by Eric Toupin
Valeria’s journey to Pa’nibal
Valeria was born in the late nineties to a small home in an agro-industrial town a few hours’ bus ride from the Guatemalan pacific coast. She had four siblings — one younger and three older — all from different fathers. Her mother had several boyfriends during Valeria’s earliest years, most of whom were verbally and […]
Pa’nibal in 2018: Investing in Education
Pa’nibal is all about practical education. This year we have been revitalizing and reimagining that focus with cost sharing programs, new in-home classes, more rigorous vocational training requirements, and a commitment to work programs with their focus outside of the home. Cost sharing and domestic economics A few months ago we introduced a new initiative […]
Juanita’s new beginning
Juanita came to Casa Pa’nibal earlier this year. Her husband attacked her in their home outside of a nearby industrialized city well known for its slums and high crime. After beating her he told her he was going to kill her. In his mid-thirties, Juanita’s husband had been accused of a variety of crimes from […]
In home beauty school underway
Earlier this month three Pa’nibal residents began a beauty and stylist workshop made up of several modules including hair styling, skin care, manicure, pedicure and massage. The workshop is lead by Miriam Leticia Chávez Orozco, the founder of a salon in the department of San Marcos and a professionally trained stylist with more than 15 […]
Pa’nibal needs child care volunteers
Pa’nibal needs child care volunteers! If you like working with kids and want to contribute to the local Antigua & San Pedro las Huertas community, this could be a great opportunity to lend a hand and get involved in a way that really matters. The women and girls living at Pa’nibal will greatly benefit from […]
My move to Guatemala
After two years of managing Pa’nibal administrative processes and organization efforts from Denver, Colorado, I’ve made the move to living full-time in Guatemala. It wasn’t a particularly easy decision. Exactly 100% of our regular month-to-month budget is provided by donor partners — individuals or families who have committed to significant, monthly recurring gifts. It’s humbling […]
Clara & Marco: A strong start
In the last days of June earlier this year, Clara’s husband told her and their seven children to get out. They had just had a particularly violent altercation, something that had become a regular feature of their lives. Their family had been living in a shoddily constructed wood and plastic shelter just outside of Guatemala […]
Pa’nibal to organize as a Guatemalan NGO
Earlier this summer I met with Irene and Louis, the Vice President and President of INCEDES (Central American Institute of Social Studies and Development) at their offices in Guatemala City. With their help and yours, Pa’nibal will be an NGO by the summer of 2018. Pictured above is Irene, Juan, myself and Louis. Longevity for […]
Pa’nibal welcomes our youngest resident ever
Earlier this month a new resident at Pa’nibal, Irene, gave birth to a little boy. She came to Pa’nibal after bearing months of physical and verbal abuse from her boyfriend as well as a family member. After a particularly violent episode at her home, Irene decided she had to leave. Irene already had two little […]