Guatemala

A  PBI volunteer must be open to changes because we are on call and sometimes there can be emergency situations that make us reshuffle the schedule and then shuffle it again.

Owen Campbell
Guatemala, 2007-2008

One thing that stood out for me was the immense need for support from indigenous people in the face of the oligarchic system that rules developing countries. I was also impressed by the courage of the communities who try to assert their rights through the legal means available, despite the contempt of the ruling class

Jean-Jacques Ambresin
Guatemala, 2008-2009

Up against all these political and structural problems, it’s hard not to question the value of the work we do. But just as you’re losing sight of this, you hear someone we accompany say that since PBI’s been coming to their community, the level of conflict has reduced and they don’t experience the threats that they used to, or that because of PBI they know they’re not alone and feel motivated to keep fighting.

Emily Spence
Guatemala, 2018-2019

As I reflect on this work thirty years later, I am deeply appreciative of the integrity, commitment and clarity of my PBI colleagues. I am grateful to have collaborated in such a meaningful way to live out our values and to support those whose lives were so unfairly shaped by political violence and repression. I’m also grateful that so many hands have continued to carry out this work and PBI is thriving today

Karen Beetleon
Guatemala, 1985