Marlboro Eagle Scout Guatemalan Project Almost Complete

Joe Vitale has been working hard all summer to complete a school in Guatemala, and now said the school is up to the roof and construction is going well.

Vitale has kept his supportes in the states well informed during his trip. He sent the following email on Thursday:

I am happy to infom you that the project is up to the roof! As you can see from the attached pictures, the progress has been steady even though this is the rainy season. The Giving Project, the non profit organization which partnered with me, has a blacksmith that will be working on the roof intallation the next couple of weeks.We are all very excited and can't wait to see the finished product and, I of course, will keep you posted!

The idea for the project formed from a trip he took with his family in 2007 to Guatemala, where he said he was inspired meeting local children. Their school, he said, was more like a shack. 

Vitale's mother lived in Guatemala until age 12, and his great grandmother was a teacher for indigenous Mayans in the area. For Vitale, the roots are deep, and his Eagle Scout project would strive to help an impoverished area while honoring his family.

Stay connected through the Marlboro-Colts Neck Patch Facebook page.

"I can implement something that would not only change the lives of hundreds of children in Guatemala, but also mine, and hopefully the lives of those who support me in this mission."

Vitale has raised a little over $11,000 for his project, which he said he will complete through teamwork with his troop and with leaders near and far. The scout has set a deadline of 2013, when he hopes to dedicate the school on his great grandmother's centennial.

To supplement fundraising, Vitale has partnered with The Giving Project, who has built other schools globally for around $22,000.

To donate to the fund, please make checks payable to Troop 155, and on the subject line: Joseph’s Eagle Scout Project. 

To stay updated about the project, visit Vitale's website.