As part of the “Study Opportunities” scholarship program, promoted by the Guatemalan Sugar Producers Association –Asazgua-, 131 young people from 10 technical careers graduated on Thursday, October 15th.
Since the beginning of the program to date, Asazgua has awarded more than 1800 scholarships for the benefit of the youth of the South of Guatemala.
These scholarships to study at the Technical Training and Productivity Institute -Intecap- are awarded to young people between 15 and 25 years old who have completed 3rd grade, their objective is to give them the opportunity to pursue a technical career that allows them to be more qualified for the labor market or start their own business.
Of the graduates, 117 are men and 17 women, who obtained the careers of: home and commercial electrician, car straightener and painter, cook, international cook, home electrician. As well as technicians in: industrial welding, automotive mechanics, industrial electricity, and in refrigeration and air conditioning, at the Intecap headquarters in 4 departments of the South of the country.
“We recognize in a special way the effort made by these 131 young people to complete their studies despite the difficulties generated by the coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic, and now they are experts who will be able to contribute to the development of the South of Guatemala,” commented Alfredo Vila, President of Asazgua.
Intecap has carried out two market studies to detect labor needs in the region, with the aim of promoting the training and specialization of young people in the professions with the greatest demand. These increases the employment opportunities of these young people when they graduate from their careers. On average 65% of young graduates obtain formal employment.
The impact of COVID-19 in Guatemala, as in other countries, has caused a shortage of supplies and equipment for hospital care. Thus, the project for the development of the first mechanical respirator created in Guatemala was born, led by Eng. Edwin Delgado, Automation Superintendent of La Union Sugar Mill, who for 25 years has developed professionally in said company.
In addition, through Fundazucar, the Guatemalan Sugar Industry delivered 917 kits for health center workers on the South Coast, which consist of 4 KN95 masks, 2 gowns, 3 pairs of gloves and 1 face mask. 48 health centers in Escuintla, Santa Rosa, Retalhuleu, Jutiapa and Suchitepequez were also benefited, each service received antibacterial gel and disposable paper towels.
Likewise, the sugar mills through Asazgua made 
These supplies will allow health workers to carry out their tasks more safely and can better prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Also, 
Through a letter of understanding, both institutions established an alliance to train public workers in accordance with the “Guide of Recommendations for the Operation of Markets and Public Squares and Prevention of COVID-19” prepared by AGEXPORT and delivered to the National Association Municipalities and the Guatemalan Ministry of Economy.
Joaquin 1.0 is a sophisticated respirator with digital displays that will bring oxygen to the lungs of people who are fighting for their lives and has the ability to take up to 100% of their breath or provide partial assistance to the patient.
Joaquin 1.0 was born in the heart of the Guatemalan Sugar Industry, in the workshops of La Union Sugar Mill. The Guatemalan Sugar Association – ASAZGUA-, from the beginning has believed in this project, for this reason it financed the purchase of 89 valves made in Germany for the construction of the first respirators, which are the engine for the operation of said equipment.