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Fundacion Ixil
In an area of the world that has suffered the devastating effects of a brutal civil war and years of oppression and poverty, the opportunity to join local and international efforts in seeking ways to develop sustainably -- primarily through education -- is a promising prospect. In collaboration with members of the international community, local organizations and advisors in the Ixil Triangle of northern Guatemala have established the Ixil Foundation in response to the pressing need for further development in the region.
Founding Board of Directors
In February, the Ixil Foundation announced its official inauguration in the first edition of “Boletín Ixil.” The organization was established with the objective of supporting the social development of communities located in the “Ixil Triangle” – the area of northern Guatemala between the cities of Nebaj, Cotzal, and San Gaspar Chajul (home to one of our producer partners, la Asociación Chajulense). The communities in this region, like so many in Guatemala, have endured a troubled history of war, poverty, and underdevelopment. Local and international organizations – including the Asoc Chajulense – have worked hard to find ways of supporting development. The Fundación Ixil is fruit of such efforts. It will strive to “link efforts and resources of the communities, the local organizations, local governments, cooperative organizations and volunteers who share the foundation’s vision”.
One of the greatest priorities of the Foundation is education and capacity-building. The first major project is to establish an educational center where courses aimed at developing technical skills will be offered for the young people in the region. The program will be oriented towards local industries, namely ecotourism and agriculture. In addition to practical skills in farming and business management, the center will strive to instill socially and environmentally responsible practices so that the development happens in the most sustainable way.
The creation of the Ixil Foundation marks another step towards social justice for the local communities of the Ixil Triangle. As members of one of those communities, our producer partners in Chajul will take part in and benefit from the development projects. We look forward to hearing more news from the Fundacion and our partners at the Asociación Chajulense!
