A volunteer organization with committees across the Maritimes is raising awareness about the struggle for human rights in Guatemala.
Breaking the Silence undertakes advocacy and lobbying efforts on behalf of the Central American country which has a sad history of human rights, armed conflict, government corruption and denying rights of indigenous people.
Moncton volunteer Marla LeBlanc says the non-profit group raises money through fundraisers and by selling coffee from Guatemalan farmers.
“Not only ensures that farmers get paid what they are supposed to be getting paid but it also benefits the families and especially the children so they can continue their education past primary school,” she notes.
LeBlanc says the organization also receives proceeds from the coffee which is roasted by the Just Us Co-Op in Nova Scotia and is available under the Breaking the Silence label at Sobeys.
Many group volunteers have visited Guatemala and LeBlanc calls her trip life-changing and says she was awestruck by the resilience of the people.
