The government of Guatemala recently awarded the Order of the Quetzal, the country’s highest honor, in recognition of Rotary’s humanitarian work in Guatemala and its contributions to the campaign to eradicate polio.

The Order of the Quetzal, established in 1936, recognizes officials and organizations from Guatemala and elsewhere for their work in the arts, sciences, politics, and humanitarian service. The Rotary Foundation received the ten-pointed cross with five branches and a medallion representing the coat of arms of Guatemala.

One recognized project provided schools in the rural region of Sumpango with washing stations and latrines, as well as kitchen equipment and furniture. Another grant brought computers and a mechanical cow, a stainless-steel machine for producing soy milk, to an all-girls elementary school in Santa Maria de Jesus.

“This award is not just for the Foundation or the Rotarians in Guatemala, but for Rotarians all over the world,” said Jorge Aufranc, past governor of District 4250 and a member of the Rotary Club of Guatemala Sur. “It is international recognition for the work that all Rotarians do.”

Rotarians all over the globe are committed to doing good where they can.