Compassion Fruit Society, a Canadian Registered Charity is building the Project Somos Children’s Village near the town of Tecpán, in Guatemala’s Central Highlands. The Project was co-founded by Heather Alicia Knox and Greg Kemp of Vancouver, BC. Both Heather and Greg live on the grounds in Guatemala and oversee the Project as Executive Director and Project Manager.
This eco-sustainable Village will eventually provide a safe, loving, and nurturing environment for orphaned and abandoned children. Based on a family-centredmodel, these children will grow up in a home with a Guatemalan foster mother and siblings. Each Dzfamilydz will live in a beautiful home in an environment that facilitates healing, learning, and growth. Currently, two of the seven family homes have been built and furnished.
An experimental organic garden was planted to test various vegetables and their adaptability in climate and high altitude. The results have been amazing. These healthy organic fruits and vegetables that grow on site, will provide nourishment that children need to thrive and develop. An orchard has also been planted for a wide range of fruits, from mangoes and oranges, to apples and blackberries.
A large adventure playground has been completed and has already entertained hundreds of the local school children. Their enthusiasm and delight has been off the charts. This structure encourages the children’s natural curiosity and physical development.
Social enterprises (small businesses) are being established to provide long-term financial sustainability for the Village. The completion of the Community Centre building initiates the first of these enterprises. Its rental for functions, weddings, and more will generate income to support the first two family homes.
The hope is that this Village will become an inspiration and model to other projects serving children.