About the Context
Women's Health
0%
of pregnant women in Sololá experience inadequate prenatal care and maternal malnutritionMalnutrition
0%
of Indigenous children in Sololá are estimated to be affected by chronic malnutritionAccess to Healthy Food
0%
of participating families rely on two meals a day, consisting mainly of tortillas and saltProgram Components
Integrated Women’s Health
Contributes to improving the physical and emotional well-being of women of childbearing age by raising awareness and providing care for sexual, reproductive and mental health, with a rights-based approach.
Integrated Women’s Health
Natün Strategic Actions
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Training in sexual, reproductive, and mental health for youth and women of childbearing age
- Providing access to medical care and diagnostics for women of childbearing age and pregnant women.
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Creating spaces for knowledge sharing and collaboration with Maya Midwives and the Ministry of Health.
Creciendo Sano - Malnutrition Prevention
Promotes comprehensive nutritional education and services to help reduce the risk of childhood malnutrition.
Creciendo Sano
Natün Strategic Actions
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Educational, community, institutional and interinstitutional initiatives, with follow-up, that lead to lasting changes in behaviors to prevent malnutrition.
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Monitoring malnutrition cases through medical consultations and providing medications, vitamins, and nutritional kits to high-risk families.
Ancestral Agriculture
Contributes to the production of and access to nutritious, culturally appropriate organic foods, to reduce malnutrition.
Ancestral Agriculture
Natün Strategic Actions
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School and community gardens with training in proper harvesting and nutritious recipes.
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Capacity building to implement agricultural production units, with specialized support.
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Community native seed banks.
See our Strategic Plan for short, medium, and long term goals.
Nutrition & Health Program Results
Impact 2024
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Strategic Threads in Nutrition & Health
Cultural Relevance:
A comprehensive intercultural model that centers ancestral knowledge and technical expertise in health, nutrition, agroecology, and education, strengthening community networks and actions in the Mayan language.
Leadership and Advocacy:
Community leadership of women and Maya midwives to promote their autonomy in reproductive health, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture as agents of change.
Partnerships for Systemic Change:
Community and inter-institutional partnerships to jointly design and implement health and nutrition programs tailored to the local context.
Indigenous Rights:
Exercise of sexual and reproductive rights, women's rights and specific rights of Indigenous women.
Gender Equity:
Training and support to recognize gender gaps and strengthening women's autonomy, while raising awareness among men about positive masculinities.
Environment:
Environmental element in community health to prevent diseases and promote healthy environments through education, critical thinking, and actions to care of and conserve nature.
Summary of Strategy
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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.
Economic Development Program
Improve 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.
