On Saturday 9 April, PAVA had the opportunity of welcoming Patricia Rojas Zambrano again, who visited for the second time the community of Paxixil, Chimaltenango. Thanks to the support of the collective IEATA , Patricia conducted the second part of the workshop that had begun in January of last year, 2015. 

The workshop took place in the colorful Comuniteca in Paxixil. Whilst opening the door there was a group of women around a circle, with whom PAVA has already worked for some time now. The activity began with Ixumil Ajquejay, from Tecpan, making reference to the energy of the day, according to the Mayan calendar and welcoming everyone involved. Each woman lit a candle that was in front of her, symbolizing her inner light and positive energy.

After the warm beginning, the activity continued with Patricia retaking the topic of the "Story Books". In the past meeting, the group who attended the workshop made a small book where they told their personal stories and placed words of motivation and hope, expressed in an artistic manner making each book unique. It was a special moment when Patricia told the girls that she had brought their books back. Each book flew across the world until it reached Hong Kong. While in Hong Kong, they were shown to a group of women who, in turn, made their own book to send over to the girls of Guatemala.

It was a very moving. The messages of unknown women, living in other realities on the other side of the world, were very personal, encouraging and loving. The smiles abounded, each girl received a gift, a push to continue to pursue their dreams and goals. Geographical distances were shortened and a basic human solidarity was shared and enjoyed by all.

Oddy, one of the promoters of the Comuniteca of Loma, shared: "These meetings make revalue my work, I realize that I am fulfilling my goals with my students. I feel very satisfied. It gives me strength to continue my goals". Each girl mentioned words like comfort, security and satisfaction. Each one of them is an agent of change in their community and in the lives of those around them. The workshop continued with an artistic activity, where the girls were carried away by their creative capacities and expressive abilities.

The event concluded with the construction of a special chest to protect their books, their messages of solidarity, the candle as a symbol of light, etc. This became an object loaded with affection and hope. Thanks to the support of Patricia and all of the members of the workshop, the ties that PAVA attempts to create through the female social promoters are reinforced and the mission of personal and community development continues to advance.