The State of the Youth

Walking up the dark 6th street of Guatemala City this past Sunday evening, we came upon a boisterous group of people standing around a large bonfire set up in front of a stage in the middle of the square facing the National Palace. A stage lined with candles, occupied by 5 or 6 people leading songs and chants to the rhythm of a drum line, was located behind the large circle of young people. Surrounding the fire, demonstrators, some of which were on stilts, of all ages, with painted faces, and seemingly modern interpretations of ancient Mayan clothes danced and sang around the burning fire pit. From adolescents to young adults, all were enjoying the brisk night air, the heat of the flames, and the opportunity to set their spirits on fire.

A booming female voice, sang and chanted over large speakers on either side of the stage. She, led by the drum line, came down from the stage and entered the circle around the fire. She was clad with a crown of leaves and a staff covered in vines; she was the leader of this celebration. This was a celebration of the youth; an indigenous celebration modernized as a demonstration for life and peace.

"We are the youth! We are the children of the children of the children of the children of slaves."  

The drums accompanied the chanting crowd as those present lifted their hands together in celebration. 

Photo By: Benjamin Hershey

"We are here to celebrate life! We are here for all the victims of genocide!"

The group denounced the death and violence occurring in Guatemala, calling for peace and for love of life.

"Life is Beautiful! Viva la Vida! [Live the Life] Viva la Vida!... "Live for the dreams, the song, the body, the dance. Feel it deeply in your heart!" 

The young people, the new generation, was embodied in this small celebration under the looming shadow of the National Palace. As rain slowly began to fall on the heads of the demonstrators, they gave thanks to the Earth for the water. They continued dancing in celebration of the gift from their mother the Earth. The demonstration slowly subsided, but the Guatemalan youth had shown that even when the rain falls, they will find a way to celebrate living.

This was the event that began this past week, my first week out of the NAPA-OT Field School. As the week progressed, this spirit-filled night continued to sit in the back of my mind. I began to reflect on the spirit of the youth and the presence of the new generation in Guatemala, to think about all the young lives and young leaders that were lost to the internal conflict.

(Not at La Limonada)

On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to visit La Limonada, an officiated slum in the ravines between Zone 1 and Zone 5 of Guatemala City. This community is famous for its violence, crime, and also its part in the documentary Reparando which you can watch on Netflix. Within this community, we visited a small supplementary school for children during their time outside of normal classes. Here they receive class, a meal, activities, and are also supported by a psychologist. This school has worked with our very own Cincinnati Occupational Therapy Institute (COTI) which provided sensory equipment such as a large platform swing, pillows, and sensory toys. The psychologist had received some training from occupational therapists in how to work with children who may need occupational therapy. She reported that she often uses the equipment with children during her therapy sessions and has used it with some students that she believes specifically need sensory strategies.

However, the most impressive aspect about this small school is clearly the young inspired staff of teachers and psychologist working there. They are all young adults who have decided to spend their time and career working in La Limonada to support the youngest members of the community as they attempt to gain an education. Bear in mind, we brought no cameras, no phones, and as we walked towards this area, a car actually stopped and warned us that we were in a dangerous place. Even Guatemalans have stigmas and fear concerning the community that these young people have chosen to make their responsibility. They are a clear testament to the power and strength of the Guatemalan youth as well as a clear symbol of the new generation emerging in Guatemala, a strong generation that has not had its leaders systematically killed in genocide or civil war. These leaders are beginning to take a stand.

On Wednesday, with a visiting family from the United States, we visited a young man that I had the pleasure of meeting two years ago when I came to Guatemala with Xavier's Occupational Therapy Department. Gerson Cerritos and his family lead a small church called City of Refuge that focuses in community outreach. One of the programs we learned about and were able to serve at was a weekly breakfast for individuals living with addictions. We heard the story of a man who was able to overcome alcoholism with the support of the community he found through the church. Gerson's parents began the church in order to provide, support, food, and in many cases housing to many of the community members. Gerson's family has grown far beyond all his brothers and sisters who continue to have strong involvement in the church to individuals who have no blood relations at all.

Gerson led us to the terrace of his home where we could see a vast overlook of Guatemala City. Here he passionately laid before us the vision and goals of his family for their ministry of solidarity in their community, Linda Vista. 

"You cannot really serve or feel empathy with someone unless you live and walk with them. This is what Jesus did; he felt what [the poor] felt." -Gerson Cerritos

From the summit of Volcano Acatenago

Even as leaders and innovators begin emerging in from the new generation of Guatemalan youth, there is still many obstacles to face for youth of this country. Throughout Guatemala children's homes for both children with and without special needs exist. Due to lack of resources, accessibility, affordability, and quality of healthcare, education, and other obstacles families are forced to give up their children to save their lives. Many Guatemalan children, both in homes and out, deal with violence, fear, and poverty every day. There are still many mountains to climb. However, the youth of Guatemala today show resilience, passion, faith, and determination in the face of oppression, poverty, prejudice, and structural violence, celebrating the hope they see on the horizon.