our story
The Nelson United Church-Guatemala Alliance for Community Well-being (Bienestar) is a project with the global mission ministry of the Nelson United Church (NUC). It was inspired by the Selkirk College nursing alumni who had participated in a nursing practice experience in Guatemala and wished to provide support for the inspiring health promotion initiatives they witnessed.
Bienestar supports social and community health programs identified by our Guatemalan partners to meet their priorities. These programs include educational scholarships and school support, micro-credit loans, and community driven health care and education with a focus on diabetes prevention and self-management across the lifespan.
Bienestar is managed by a Board of Directors with representation from Nelson United Church, members of the Selkirk College-Guatemala nursing practice experience alumni, and friends of Bienestar.
Bienestar is able to offer a tax receipt for donations we receive through Nelson United Church which provides direction and oversight as per Revenue Canada regulations.
100% of your donations go to the projects. Any administration costs are covered by the members of the Board.
Discovering healthy new recipes together using local ingredients
Our Mission
We go as invited guests to support locally identified community initiatives that will benefit the health and well-being of the people by
genuinely partnering with the people (respecting their strengths individually and collectively, building upon their capacities, following their lead, creating a shared vision)
working in solidarity with the people (addressing the root causes of poor health including poverty, environmental destruction, discrimination and limited educational opportunities)
being accountable to and transparent with our partners and supporters in the global north and south
building networks with other like-minded organizations to advocate for social change with the understanding that the barriers to health and well-being faced by people globally are directly linked to economic exploitation and over-consumption, and our way forward is mutually intertwined.
“If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time.
But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together
”
What We've Achieved together so far
29 students have received education scholarships that includes programs on adolescent health and leadership
21 people graduated from a two week full-time diabetes health promoter training program 2017
Diabetes health and wellness clinic opened in 2017 with 3 part-time diabetes health promoters on staff
34 people with diabetes are actively involved in a comprehensive diabetes program that includes health and wellness clubs for women, children, youth and people living with diabetes; an exercise program; home visits, and regular medical consultation and support
Elementary school health program for 120 students started in 2018
Diabetes health education outreach provided to 10 rural Indigenous women’s organizations
Corazon de Maria Spanish Language school opened in 2017. It was accredited by the Ministry of Tourism in 2021
7 young adults graduated from a month-long full-time Spanish language training course in 2017 and are employed at the Corazon de Maria school
Itzel youth folk dance troupe program expanded & currently has a membership of 48 children & youth
2 women opened a local taqueria 2016
CNH girls’ soccer competition funded at the youth regional gathering 2016
Diabetes information and blood glucose sampling offered at the International Women’s Day event in Santa Elena, Peten 2023
