About the Context
90% of community members indicated their community lacks early childhood education programs
Language
0%
of children of Natün participants speak a Mayan language0%
of children come from households where Spanish is not spokenPresenting a language barrier for students at the start of their public education and highlighting a key area of opportunity for Natün’s work
Access to Education
0%
of participating adults completed elementary school0%
finished high schoolHighlighting significant barriers to education in partner communities.
Technology
0%
of program participants reported no access to a computer0%
of program participants lacked internet accessPosing a significant challenge in today’s education and technology-driven world.
Program Components
Preschool Nutrition Centers
Ensure holistic development in early childhood before entering school, strengthening motor, cognitive, early literacy, and life skills through play-based activities, while accompanying this process with parents who are trained and committed to actively support their children.
Preschool Nutrition Centers
Natün Strategic Actions
- Running bilingual preschools to prepare students for entering primary school.
- Monitoring and treating malnutrition in early childhood.
Learning Enrichment
Supports the academic success and overall development of children in public schools through culturally relevant curriculum reinforcement, while fostering life skills and cultural identity, with the guidance of parents trained in respectful parenting.
Learning Enrichment
Natün Strategic Actions
- Curriculum and life skills enrichment, through after-school classes and workshops with primary and middle school students identified as needing extra support.
Youth Leadership Pathways
Expand educational, professional, and civic opportunities for youth & adolescents to ensure their successful integration into society, by strengthening their linguistic, technological, academic, leadership, and socio-emotional skills, with the support of their families and their participation in culturally-relevant community and social advocacy processes.
Youth Leadership Pathways
Natün Strategic Actions
- English & Kaqchikel classes
- Workshops and training in science and technology
- Leadership, socio-emotional, and professional skills workshops
- Civic education and integration into social advocacy networks
- Financial incentive for participation
See our Strategic Plan for short, medium, and long term goals.
Education Programs Results
Impact 2024
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Strategic Threads in Education
Cultural Relevance:
Bilingual and intercultural education curricula that include the Mayan language, history, and identity of Indigenous peoples, as well as knowledge and expertise in Maya science and technology.
Leadership and Advocacy:
Leadership from early childhood through adolescence, promoting active and meaningful participation, critical thinking, and the engagement of families and facilitators in the learning process.
Partnerships for Systemic Change:
Partnerships and coordination with community and educational leaders to collaboratively design and implement educational programs.
Indigenous Rights:
Exercise of the rights of children and adolescents, including the right to bilingual and intercultural education.
Gender Equity:
An equitable and inclusive educational model that fosters harmony, respect, and shared responsibility from early childhood, through training in gender and positive masculinity.
Environment:
Teaching content that promotes environmental awareness, critical thinking, and actions to care for and restore Mother Nature.
Summary of Strategy
Gallery
Our Other Programs
Nutrition & Health Program
Improves the nutrition and health of women and children through a holistic approach that strengthens prevention, self-care, and the availability of healthy foods.
Economic Development Program
Improves community economic autonomy, through capacity building in entrepreneurship and business skills, with technical and financial support.
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.
