About the Context
Access to work
0%
of participants who work do so in the informal sectorIncome
$0
Migration
0%
of participants with a migrated family member said the reason was poverty and lack of economic opportunitiesProgram Components
Artisan & Entrepreneurship Training Center
Develops and strengthens ancestral, innovative, and entrepreneurial technical capacities which enable economic opportunites.
Artisan & Entrepreneurship Training Center
Natün Strategic Actions
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Community-based training centers offering vocational courses.
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Entrepreneurship skills training directed toward students, entrepreneurs, and youth.
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Leadership training for women entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurship
Advances individual and collective entrepreneurship and business development in rural communities.
Artisan & Entrepreneurship Training Center
Natün Strategic Actions
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Community-based training centers offering vocational courses.
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Entrepreneurship skills training directed toward students, entrepreneurs, and youth.
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Leadership training for women entrepreneurs.
Microfinance
Strengthens community microfinance opportunities to support economic autonomy.
Artisan & Entrepreneurship Training Center
Natün Strategic Actions
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Community-based training centers offering vocational courses.
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Entrepreneurship skills training directed toward students, entrepreneurs, and youth.
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Leadership training for women entrepreneurs.
Artisanship
Facilitates the commercialization of innovative handmade products to generate sustainable income.
Artisan & Entrepreneurship Training Center
Natün Strategic Actions
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Community-based training centers offering vocational courses.
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Entrepreneurship skills training directed toward students, entrepreneurs, and youth.
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Leadership training for women entrepreneurs.
See our Strategic Plan for short, medium, and long term goals.
Economic Development Program Results
Impact 2024
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Strategic Threads in Economic Development
Cultural Relevance:
Preservation and dissemination of ancestral knowledge in backstrap weaving and hand embroidery through culturally relevant training, community businesses, and fair sales of products reflecting Maya artists’ identity.
Leadership and Advocacy:
Local leadership, especially of women and youth, driving economic development through training, innovation, inclusion, and sustainability.
Partnerships for Systemic Change:
Community and inter-institutional partnerships to coordinate and implement programs that promote local economic development, income generation, and employment.
Indigenous Rights:
Exercise of economic rights for women, youth, and Indigenous communities.
Gender Equity:
Training, business support, and leadership strengthening for women and youth, ensuring their full and inclusive participation toward economic autonomy, with actions to raise awareness of positive masculinities.
Environment:
Environmental education and the green economy through training and sustainable businesses that link local ethnodevelopment with the care and conservation of Mother Nature.
Summary of Strategy
Gallery
Our Other Programs
Education Program
Foster the personal, community, and social development of children and adolescents by strengthening their leadership, communication, identity, science and technology skills, through culturally relevant curricula and the active participation of families.
Nutrition & Health Program
Improve the nutrition and health of women and children through a holistic approach that strengthens prevention, self-care, and the availability of healthy foods.
Stories
The Next Five Years Begin Here: Community Leadership for Lasting Change
Recognizing and Promoting Indigenous Rights in Guatemala: A Conversation with Juan Cúmes
Rooted in Rights: Natün’s Ongoing Commitment to Indigenous Communities
Our Core Values
Cooperation
We work as a kind, effective and supportive team in collaboration with the communities.
Reciprocity
We believe in dignified, equitable relationships with communities, fostering agency, active participation and service to others.
Humility
We recognize our role as facilitators, centering and valuing local expertise. We evolve based on constant learning and self-improvement.
Respect
We treat all people kindly and fairly, with dignity and empathy.
Transparency
We have reasonable, justified and clearly communicated processes and use of resources.
Accountability
We thoughtfully and responsibly manage our resources to ensure both efficient use and intentional impact.
Integrity
We act honestly and ethically, thereby earning the trust and confidence of both communities and supporters.
Preserving Maya Traditions:
Integrating Maya ancestral knowledge and practices into every program to guide sustainable, community-rooted ethnodevelopment.
Capacity Development:
Expanding local leadership, skills and capacity to drive long-term Indigenous led systemic change.
Community-Led Approach:
All programs are co-developed and implemented with Maya leaders, and other regional stakeholders, centering community priorities and decision-making.
Resource Optimization:
Strategic resource use maximizes impact and supports community priorities through accountable, efficient partnerships and processes.
Holistic Development:
Advancing interconnected strategies addressing root causes and strengthening education, health, economic, and cultural wellbeing.
Our Partners
Live the Experience
At Natün, we believe in the transformative nature of immersive travel that fosters authentic connections and mutual respect. Our thoughtfully designed experience trips offer you the chance to explore the rich Maya culture, engage in environmental conservation, and participate in community-led initiatives around the breathtaking Lake Atitlán region.
Get in touch with us
Start a conversation and connect with Natün.
Natün Guatemala is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization. EIN 20-8433997.
