Educate and Empower Maya Youth!

We Have Started an Incredible Year!

We are proud to share that 2026 has begun with remarkable growth, community strength, and renewed commitment to empowering Maya Q’eqchi’ youth through culturally grounded, quality education.

Community-Led School Inauguration

On January 16, 2026, we celebrated the official inauguration of classes at Instituto Maya Comunitario K’amolb’e (IMACK), a community-based secondary school owned by Asociación Q’eqchi’ Xch’ool Ixim (Heart of Corn).

This meaningful event reflected the strong governance and cultural foundation of our work. Attendees included:

• 7 members of the Board of Directors
• 89 parents
• 10 teachers
• 13 elders and Spiritual Guides
• The General Assembly of the Xch’ool Ixim Association

The presence of elders and Spiritual Guides reaffirmed our commitment to education rooted in Maya Q’eqchi’ values, identity, and ancestral wisdom.

Historic Enrollment Growth at IMACK

In 2025 our student enrollment was 48 students. In 2026, our student enrollment includes 89 students from 27 remote rural villages.

•  Student enrollment increased 85%

 In 2025, 14 girls and 34 boys were enrolled. In 2026, 38 girls and 52 boys are enrolled.

• Female enrollment increased 171%
• Male enrollment increased 53%

 This growth demonstrates:

• Increased community trust in culturally relevant education
• Greater demand for access to secondary education in rural areas
• The impact of donor investment in expanding opportunities for indigenous youth

Behind each number is a young person who now has access to education, leadership development, and hope for the future.

Strengthening Teacher Capacity

Quality education begins with strong educators.

From November 18–21, 2025, our teachers participated in specialized training on Technology Integration in Education, facilitated by our partner, the Fabretto Children's Foundation.

This training focused on:

• Effective use of digital tools in the classroom
• Strengthening student engagement
• Improving access to educational resources

For 2026, we have planned:

• Ongoing virtual training sessions
• Two intensive in-person professional development workshops

This continued investment ensures that our students receive innovative, relevant, and high-quality instruction despite living in remote communities.

Access to Technology: A Transformational Privilege

Through your support, Xch’ool Ixim continues to provide students with:

• Access to a computer laboratory
• Reliable internet connectivity

For many of our students, this is their first opportunity to:

• Use a computer
• Conduct online research
• Develop digital literacy skills

In rural Alta Verapaz, this access is not common. It is a powerful equalizer that expands academic and professional opportunities for Maya youth.

What Your Support Has Achieved

Because of your generosity through GlobalGiving:

• Enrollment nearly doubled in one year
• More girls and boys from remote villages now access secondary education
• Teachers are receiving continuous professional development
• Students have access to technology and internet

You are not only funding education — you are helping preserve culture, strengthen identity, and creating future indigenous leaders.

Looking Ahead

In 2026, our priorities include:

• Sustaining increased enrollment
• Expanding scholarship support
• Continuing teacher professional development
• Strengthening technology integration
• Deepening culturally grounded education

We are deeply grateful for your partnership. Together, we are building a future where Maya Q’eqchi’ youth are educated, empowered, and proud of who they are.

Thank you for believing in this vision.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Asociación Q’eqchi’ Xch’ool Ixim (Heart of Corn)

Dear Friends and Supporters,

We are deeply grateful to share that, thanks to your generosity, we have reached our $5,000 fundraising goal! Because of your incredible support, Q’eqchi’ Association Xch’ool Ixim (Heart of Corn) will now receive an additional $5,000 in matching funds, from the Cushing Foundation, doubling the impact of your contributions.

Your commitment sustains our work to strengthen Q’eqchi’ communities, preserve our cultural heritage, and create opportunities rooted in dignity and self-determination. This milestone is a reflection of your belief in our mission and in the power of Indigenous-led change.

From all of us at Xch’ool Ixim — b’anyox aawe – Thank you! Together, we are sowing seeds for a stronger future.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Ava

Ava Berinstein, PhD
Director of Development
Q’eqchi’ Association Xch’ool Ixim (Heart of Corn)