Snohomish County Youth Engaged in Service Completes Meaningful Service Project in Guatemala

The Snohomish County Youth Engaged in Service Team recently completed a meaningful international service project in the village of Jose Maria San Ramon, Guatemala. Over the course of the trip, students served alongside local families, learned from the community, and helped provide practical resources designed to support healthier homes and daily life.

After traveling through Guatemala and spending time in Huehuetenango and Barillas, the team arrived in Jose Maria, where they were welcomed with a special community ceremony. The students quickly moved from orientation and training into hands-on service, putting their newly learned skills to work.

During their time in the village, the team helped install Aller Stoves and EcoFilters for local families. These simple but important resources can improve daily cooking conditions, support access to cleaner water, and contribute to healthier home environments.

The project was about more than installation work. Throughout their time, students spent time building relationships with families and children, sharing meaningful moments through games, activities, and conversation. They also distributed hygiene kits and shared lessons with children about hand washing and brushing their teeth.

The team also shared the Days for Girls program, creating space for learning, dignity, and connection. These experiences helped deepen the students’ understanding of service as something rooted not only in giving, but also in listening, learning, and being changed by the people they met.

The final day in Jose Maria was filled with joy, games, and activities for the school children, including a lively carnival and a spirited game of tug-of-war. Reading glasses were also distributed as part of the project, adding another practical way to support community members.

The team said their goodbyes after a beautiful closing ceremony led by children from the school. They then returned to the Mission House in Barillas before continuing on to Antigua and beginning their journey home.

In all, the project resulted in 58 Aller Stoves and EcoFilters being installed for families in Jose Maria. The impact of the work will continue beyond the team’s time in Guatemala through improved home resources, stronger connections, and the shared experience of service.

This project and experience were made possible through the support of Snohomish County Rotary Clubs, whose commitment helped create the opportunity for students to serve, learn, and grow through this international experience.

With gratitude, we recognize the Rotary Club of Arlington, Marysville Rotary, Rotary Club of Everett, Marysville Sunrise Rotary, Rotary Club of Everett Port Gardner, South Everett-Mukilteo Rotary, Rotary Club of Monroe, Lake Stevens Rotary, and Stanwood Camano Rotary Club.

For the students, the Guatemala service project offered more than a chance to help install stoves and filters. It was an opportunity to build friendships, experience another culture, and see firsthand how service can create connections across communities.

The Snohomish County Youth Engaged in Service Team returns home with full hearts, meaningful memories, and a deeper understanding of what it means to serve alongside others.