.png)
At the heart of EcoLogic's mission lies the belief that lasting environmental solutions emerge when communities lead the way—and that young people are key to driving this change. This ethos can be found in our partnership with local organizations like the Mayan Association for Wellbeing in the Sarstun Region (APROSARSTUN) and Ak’Tenamit, where Indigenous youth are at the forefront of efforts to protect ecosystems, tackle climate change, and empower their communities.
To explore this vital work, we spoke with José Domingo Caal, General Coordinator of APROSARSTUN, and Sara Bo, an educator at Ak'Tenamit.
The Founding of APROSARSTUN
Ak’Tenamit's work with Indigenous youth has been instrumental in empowering local communities. In 2007, a group of secondary students from Ak'Ttenamit founded APROSARSTUN before even graduating. Equipped with training in community development and driven by a deep commitment to improving conditions in the Sarstún region of Guatemala, these young leaders—led by José Domingo—established the foundation for what would become a transformative grassroots organization.
When we first engaged with the communities, many people were skeptical. Even though I am from the Sarstún region, community members hesitated to trust us.
"The idea for APROSARSTUN came from a sense of urgency," shares José Domingo. This urgency stemmed from frustrations after the Sarstún River was declared a protected area in 2005 without consulting local communities. Indigenous groups who had spent decades trying to legalize their lands felt ignored and betrayed.
"EcoLogic supported us and helped us navigate the process to gain recognition as a legally established Maya Q'eqchi' association," José Domingo says. "They believed in our vision when few others did."
In 2008, APROSARSTUN began coordinating activities and developing training programs. "However," explains José Domingo, "we faced significant challenges. When we first engaged with the communities, many people were skeptical. Even though I am from the Sarstún region, community members hesitated to trust us. They feared we were there to take their land or further expand the protected area.
Over time, we built strong relationships. We focused on training local leaders and implementing practical initiatives like agroforestry systems. With Ak'Tenamit's support, we formalized a work agreement to establish an office at their education center, which was made possible with EcoLogic's support."
APROSARSTUN's goal has always been actively involving young people in project implementation and community initiatives. "This approach has strengthened our organization as students apply their classroom learning to real-world projects such as family gardens, agroforestry systems, and tree nurseries."
"Students also come from different parts of Guatemala, including Alta Verapaz, El Estor, and Petén, each bringing diverse skills and perspectives," continues José Domingo. "And their contributions are enhancing our work."
Education in Action
Nowadays, the partnership between APROSARSTUN and Ak'Ttenamit demonstrates how environmental education and action are interlinked.
"Our students follow two technical programs: Community Development and Sustainable Tourism," explains Sara. "Our educational model differs from most schools in Guatemala. We combine classroom learning with hands-on internships, equipping students with both practical experience and leadership skills. "From day one, we emphasize hands-on learning, recognizing that these skills are key to strengthening students' abilities."
Many have gone on to work with conservation organizations and government agencies.
To provide meaningful, practical experience, Ak'Tenamit has built partnerships with various institutions, including APROSARSTUN, and opened four restaurants and three fair-trade handicraft shops as internship sites. Thanks to these collaborations, their students complete more than 3,000 hours of training over three years, rotating through positions in restaurants, administrative offices, tour guides, and non-governmental organizations, significantly exceeding the only 200 hours required in traditional schools. "This immersive approach yields outstanding results," says Sara, "with graduates developing the skills they need to meet their communities' necessities and securing jobs in environmental education, fieldwork, and community development. Many have gone on to work with conservation organizations and government agencies."
Ak'Tenamit's educational approach is rooted in Indigenous traditions and emphasizes cultural identity and ancestral knowledge. Sara explains: "Our classrooms are designed to reflect equality and our cultural heritage. We use circular layouts so everyone can see each other and participate as equals. We also integrate Maya cosmology, which connects students to their identity and traditions."
EcoLogic provides financial support for this incredible work. Our funding helps cover expenses such as internship fees and operational costs and ensures Indigenous students can easily participate in these programs without financial barriers.
This hands-on approach promotes critical thinking and entrepreneurship while empowering youth to take an active role in choosing their path.
Youth Leadership
During the program, students often return to their communities and apply what they've learned by leading workshops, developing conservation projects, helping to run operations, and even returning early from vacations to work on construction projects.
A national reforestation organization recently hired a graduate who interned with APROSARSTUN. It's proof that our programs prepare students to make meaningful contributions.
Young leaders like Michael, a student who interned with APROSARSTUN, demonstrate the transformative impact of these programs. "Michael is incredibly proactive," José Domingo shares. "He's learned to use GPS for mapping, conduct community diagnostics, and support agroforestry projects. His dedication inspires others."
Sara highlights another success story: "A national reforestation organization recently hired a graduate who interned with APROSARSTUN. It's proof that our programs prepare students to make meaningful contributions."
As Guatemala's rich biodiversity is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and Indigenous communities, particularly women, often bear the brunt of these changes, APROSARSTUN and Ak'Tenamit have also taken proactive steps to prepare youth and communities to face these challenges by organizing workshops and advocacy efforts to educate communities about climate change and involve them in crafting solutions.
Breaking Gender Barriers Down
Both APROSARSTUN and Ak'Tenamit place a strong emphasis on promoting gender equity. One of Aktenamit's most impactful programs is empowering Indigenous women through education and leadership training.
"In many communities, girls face barriers to education because of traditional gender roles," Sara explains. Their Eduquemos a la Niña program promotes girls' education, reaching students aged 12 to 24. To create a cultural shift toward greater gender equity, Ak'Tenamit organizes workshops on women's rights, family violence prevention, and leadership skills, which reach thousands of participants. Additionally, they provide psychological support, partner with organizations focused on gender violence prevention, and educate both boys and girls on gender equity. "We are working to change this mindset, and now more families are advocating for their daughters' education."
Stepping Up
When asked what motivated him to lead at such a young age, José Domingo says: "I grew up in these communities. I've seen and experienced their struggles. I was only 22 at the time, but I knew I had to step up. It's been challenging, but when I look at what we've accomplished so far, I know it was worth it."
EcoLogic is proud to support these incredible leaders. Thank you to the local communities and Indigenous youth of the Sarstún River for stepping up and working alongside us to make a difference!
Komentar