How Seeds began
In 1998, Walter Able graduated from Purdue University with a degree in anthropology. He sought after a role where he could build upon his anthropological studies while utilizing his extensive knowledge of history and agriculture. He turned to the U.S. Peace Corps, which offered him the opportunity to combine these skills and help others in what was then an unfamiliar place: Guatemala.
For the next two years as a Peace Corps volunteer, Walter lived in the western Guatemalan highlands and oversaw a program focusing on integrated pest management – organic agriculture and pest control – in a village tucked away high up in the Sierra de los Cuchumatanes. From working with rural electrification to the building of greenhouses for locals to grow a new variety of foods year-round, Walter became familiar with the needs of these small, remote communities.
In 2000 when his two-year term with the Peace Corps came to an end, Walter devised a plan to continue helping this area progress long after his departure. It was then that the Seeds of Help Foundation was created.
Staff
The work of Seeds of Help is made possible through the efforts and dedication of our Guatemalan staff and volunteers from around the world:
- Brenda Velasquez Del Cid – Director of Operations in Guatemala & Educator
- Roberto Rodriquez Ramos – Guatemalan Construction & Agriculture Supervisor
- Irma Consuelo Cobon de Castillo – Women’s Group Promoter (Instructor)Volunteers – Since its inception, Seeds of Help Foundation has had numerous volunteers from countries around the globe that provide valuable aid to our mission. Each and every volunteer has their own area of interest and expertise and we try to guide these abilities with our own knowledge of the area, resources, problems and opportunities unique to the area.
Peace Corps – The foundation was started by a RPCV in 2000 after serving as a Volunteer in Guatemala when his time as a PCV was over but his desire to help was not. Over the years many other Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs) have worked with Seeds of Help to gain hands-on experience and further promote our mission. All PCVs are U.S. citizens. For more information on the Peace Corps organization, visit http://www.peacecorps.gov/
