Need
Despite tremendous beauty and abundant natural resources, the need for financial resources and support is great in the Lake Atitlan region, particularly for indigenous families. Guatemala has one of the lowest literacy rates in Central America and only recently have indigenous people had the opportunity to own land on which they can build modest homes for their families. Yet, the people of the region warmly welcome strangers as they seek strong bonds with those with a sincere desire to learn about their challenges and provide support for a truly sustainable way of life.
Nongovernmental Organizations
Two outstanding examples of organizations working for the common good of the people of the region are Ecolibri and Friends of San Lucas. Ecolibri is located in San Marcos La Laguana and has strong relations with school officials in the villages of San Juan and San Pedro. One of the primary efforts of Ecolibri is to support educational opportunities for children of the poorest families in the region. For one dollar a day, Ecolibri provides clothing, school supplies, backpacks and school snacks for young students. For more information, see Ecolibri. On the opposite side of Lake Atitlan, located in the village of San Lucas, Friends of San Lucas supports the work of the San Lucas mission which began in 1963. Mission programs include an elementary school, medical clinic, women’s cooperative, housing and land recovery programs. San Ana Café started as a program of the mission and produces and sells some of the best Guatemalan coffee through “direct trade” to buyers in the United States. For more information, see San Lucas Mission.