FAQs

Here are some of the questions we are often asked, along with our answers to them. Please feel free to ask us some more!

Where is the Village located?
At this time the Children's Village has not been built. We have found property near Chimaltenango and we are in the process of raising the funds to purchase it. The land has 135 acres with existing buildings. Once this land is secured we will begin construction of the Village and then begin to receive children. Check out a video of the land. 

Why do you need 135 acres?
Sustainability and social enterprise are focuses for the Children's Village. This acreage allows the possibility of a variety of agricultural opportunities for Village use and commercial production for financial sustainability.

Isn’t Guatemala dangerous?
Yes, it ranks as one of the most dangerous countries in the hemisphere. Unfortunately after the 35 year civil war, the judicial system never recovered, so it has become a country of impunity. There are efforts to revive the judicial system and root out corruption which is showing some signs of progress. Most of the violence is gang related, centered in Guatemala City.

How are you going to protect the children & the Village?
The Village will be secured with a perimeter wall, which is historically traditional throughout the Spanish colonial world. There will be security "hosts" that welcome anyone that arrive at the main entrance to the village. Children will be accompanied by Village mothers or adults when travelling to the nearby city or outside of the Village. We will also be creating relationships with the nearby villages in order to form a rural "block watch".

How are you going to deal with religion in the village?
A main focus of the education of the children will be cultivating virtues such as compassion, understanding, forgiveness, patience, etc. Guatemala is a Christian country. The mothers will be able to practice their religious tradition with their foster children and this will provide a basis for their spiritual education. The acceptance of an applicant for a foster mother and the training of the mothers will address religious practice in the Village and the spiritual upbringing of the children in their care.

Why do you need 135 acres?
Sustainability and social enterprise are focuses for the Children's Village. This acreage allows the possibility of a variety of agricultural opportunities for Village use and commercial production for financial sustainability.

How will you deal with accountability? Liability? Transparency?
We will deal with accountability with transparency. We encourage questions concerning our vision, goals, activities, and procedures from the public and supporters. Compassion Fruit Society is a Canadian registered charity and financial and governance information is publicly available. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors with expertise offered by an Advisory Board. As with any business or other organization liability is managed proactively by close attention to all of our activities and personnel. We also carry comprehensive liability insurance.

What makes this project different?
Project Somos has a unique approach to providing opportunities to the children of Guatemala. It utilizes a synergistic approach, using social, psychological, educational, artistic and vocational tools to encourage the healthy development of children. It encourages the development of intelligence and compassion - head and heart. This approach will allow a child to mature into a balanced and functioning adult participating in Guatemalan society.

This Project also aims to be ecologically and financially sustainable. Small businesses (Social Enterprises) will be established and money earned will go back into supporting the Village so that long term, it will not be dependent on donations and grants.

Why is the Project going to cost so much?
When you look at the overall picture you will see that our goal is to create longterm sustainability through agriculture, small businesses and alternative energy. Although upfront costs are high, the cost to maintain the Village will be significantly lower than other projects without the infrastructure we are putting in place.

Can I get a tax receipt for my donation?
Yes you can! In June 2009, CRA (Canadian Revenue Agency) granted Compassion Fruit Society charitable status which enables us to issue tax receipts. We also have a partnership with an American Non-Profit Organization which can issue USA charitable receipts on our behalf. Please visit our Donate Page to make a donation. Thank you!

What happens if you don't raise enough money?
We are raising the money in phases and all money raised for specific aspects of the Project will be held until there is sufficient funds to move forward with that phase of the project. i.e. money raised for the land will be held in a special account until we have enough to move ahead with the land purchase. If the land is sold before we have enough, we will hold those funds until we find another suitable piece of land.

Why not partner with existing organization?
Even though there are many diverse projects working with children on the ground in Guatemala, Project Somos was initiated to address all the triad challenges of health, education, and employment in one comprehensive project. We have recently formed a collaborative partnership with Project Seres   and are open to working closely with other like-minded organizations.

Isn't there a big need locally in Canada and the USA?
Yes, and you can spin a the globe, close your eyes, put your finger anywhere, and it is very likely wherever your finger lands there will be a pressing need for the welfare of children living in poverty. The social situation in Guatemala is much more desperate than in Canada and there is no social net to assist those living in poverty. The reality of the world today is that Guatemala is in our neighbourhood and the need there is immense.

Does the project have a religious or political affiliation?
Project Somos has no religious or political affiliations whatsoever.

Why are there not foster fathers?
The mothers are the foundation and main caregivers to children. Caring for children in this setting is a vocation that is naturally well-suited to women and also requires comprehensive screening and training process. The male staff are trained to be role models and engage the children in daily activities that they are involved in around the village.

Do you have any Guatemalan partners?
We are cooperating with various organizations on the ground in Guatemala. They have been great assistance to us and have offered their expertise and encouragement to us in many ways. We work closely with Jorge Granados Mancio, who is volunteering in Xela, Quetzaltenango. We were introduced to him when it was discovered that he had a similar vision to create a better life for children in need. Trained as a lawyer, he is a great assistance to us in establishing Project Somos. We are also fortunate to have many encouraging friends in Guatemala.

How does Project Somos legally operate in Guatemala?
We are in the process of establishing a branch of Compassion Fruit Society on the ground in Guatemala.

Who are the Children and Where Do they Come From?
Children who have been abandoned, orphaned or taken from their homes due to abuse or neglect are placed in state-run Temporary Homes until they can be placed in foster care, which is not common in Guatemala, or be put into a permanent children's home. The Central Authority authorizes organizations to receive children. These are generally set up by local and foreign Non-Governmental Organizations.

Why are there so many orphaned & abandoned children in Guatemala?
Poverty is the main reason there are so many orphaned and abandoned children in Guatemala. Many families are unable to provide for all their children and either give them up or the children are apprehended. There is no comprehensive social welfare program to assist families living in poverty.

How do you know that the project will be successful?
We have a dedicated team of individuals working on this project who are committed to making this endeavor a success. We are a skilled and resourceful group who seek assistance where needed and choose collaborating opportunities whenever possible. We believe we are well on our way to making this a huge success!

How can people get involved?
There are many ways to become involved. We host regular brainstorming sessions about many important and practical topics concerning the village. A participant can offer assistance via a video link from anywhere in the world. We are looking for expertise in various professional areas, such as legal, architectural, engineering, and alternative energy. Whatever skill you may have, it is very likely it could be of great value in this project. Also-keep an eye on our Volunteer section of the website. We are seeking financial partners to establish the Village. Large and small donations are welcome.

How can people get involved?
There are many ways to become involved. We host regular brainstorming sessions about many important and practical topics concerning the village. A participant can offer assistance via a video link from anywhere in the world. We are looking for expertise in various professional areas, such as legal, architectural, engineering, and alternative energy. Whatever skill you may have, it is very likely it could be of great value in this project. Also-keep an eye on our Volunteer section of the website. We are seeking financial partners to establish the Village. Large and small donations are welcome.