November 11, 2025 (Nov. 11, 2025)

Thanks to Sheriff Blair's creative enforcement, we raised an additional $215 for our scholarship program! Remember, these “fines” are all` in good fun and serve a great purpose: building camaraderie and raising funds for our charitable efforts, especially scholarships. Let’s continue living out the Rotary motto, "Service Above Self," with enthusiasm, punctuality, and a healthy dose of Rochester pride and humor!

SPEAKER

Casa Colibrí: Health, Hope, and Partnership in Rural Guatemala - Linda Eastman, Presenter

The mission of Casa Colibrí is to help the Mayan people of northwest Guatemala improve their quality of life through programs in health, education, and related infrastructure.

Serving in one of the most rural regions of the country, reachable only after a two-day journey from Guatemala’s capital city, Guatemala City, Casa Colibrí works where the need is the greatest. In this area,

79% of people live on less than $1.90 per day,
58% of children experience stunted height due to malnutrition,
53% do not complete primary school, and
The child mortality rate is 5.1%.

Health and Healing

Since 2007, Casa Colibrí has operated health programs under the guiding phrase Salud al Alcance de Todos—“Health within reach of all.” The Rochester Rotary Club was among its original patrons.

The organization offers comprehensive medical, dental, and vision care, yielding remarkable results. Recently, three patients, aged 12, 22, and 24, who were blind due to cataracts, regained normal vision.

A Clinic on Wheels, in service since 2016, brings prenatal care to remote villages, serving approximately 250 pregnant women each year. With the help of clubs like Rochester Rotary, Casa Colibrí has now ordered a new 2026 Toyota Hilux “picop” to expand these services. Rochester Rotary contributed $5,000, with additional funding from a district grant and private donors.

Casa Colibrí also provides ultrasound training and continues to strengthen maternal and child health programs. This past summer, 50 traditional midwives, including several male midwives, or Compadrones, received training. Additionally, 24 professional nurses in the district received advanced instruction. Following this success, Casa Colibrí and the Guatemalan Ministry of Health agreed to expand the training to 106 nurses, their first official collaboration. This initiative will extend services to over 130,000 people, increasing prenatal care coverage from 250 to 3,200 women annually.

Education and Literacy

Casa Colibrí is equally committed to education.

Readers to Leaders helps 4th through 6th grade students strengthen reading skills so they can transition successfully to middle school.
Mighty Minis supports 1st through 3rd graders, closing early literacy gaps before they widen.
Minibibliotecas (Little Free Libraries) foster reading in local schools. Due to weather and termites, these libraries were recently relocated indoors, ensuring the books remain accessible and protected.
Teacher workshops are held regularly to help educators improve reading instruction and student engagement.

Clean Water and Sanitation

Casa Colibrí’s Clean Water and Sanitation Program ensures that every home has access to clean water through outdoor spigots and provides modern sanitation with latrines equipped with porcelain toilets connected to septic systems. However, these systems do not rely on running water, so you must bring water to flush. Although not up to the standards we are used to, this is an enormous improvement in hygiene and dignity.

A Legacy of Rotary Partnership

Since 2007, more than 50 Rotary Clubs and Rotary Districts have partnered with Casa Colibrí, dramatically improving the lives of families throughout their service area. Following the upcoming training of all the municipality's auxiliary nurses, the number of healthcare providers in the region will grow from 3 to 130, relieving conditions for thousands of people, reflecting both sustainability and success.

One inspiring story highlights this progress: a young woman in the four-year nursing program became pregnant during her studies. With determination and support, she graduated after giving birth to her child and will begin serving patients at the start of the New Year, a true symbol of resilience and hope.