Educate and Empower Maya Youth!

With your support and the contributions of corporate sponsors, Xch’ool Ixim (Heart of Corn) organized an educational trip from the remote Nimlajacoc region of Alta Verapaz to Guatemala City for 20 high school students from our secondary school, the Maya Community Institute K’amolb’e (IMACK).

Through the generosity of our donors and the FARO 23 Collective, the students’ transportation, room and board, and all of the academic, and entrepreneurial activities for the students’ three-day excursion to Guatemala City from July 13 – 15 was completely covered.

 Why is this Important?

• Xch’ool Ixim is building educational pathways for IMACK students.
• IMACK graduates have an opportunity to become entrepreneurs.
• IMACK graduates have an opportunity to attend university.

 Most of these Q’eqchi’ Maya students will be the first in their families to graduate high school! However, none of these students have ever had the opportunity to visit Guatemala City or experience university life first-hand.

•  The purpose of this trip was to help prepare them for this important transition: the next step in their life-long educational journey.

This experience allowed Indigenous students from remote communities in Cobán to get to know other realities, hear professionals' testimonies, and understand that education, discipline, and perseverance can open new opportunities.

The 20 students, accompanied by two teachers, had the opportunity to explore new academic and professional environments. During the trip, they visited the Guatemalan Chamber of Industry, TELUS Call Center, Universidad Francisco Marroquín, La Aurora International Airport, and the Guatemala International Book Fair (FILGUA).

Through leadership, creativity, and innovation workshops, guided visits, and conversations with professionals, students gained firsthand exposure to universities and workplaces, broadening their perspectives on continuing their education and pursuing their dreams.

These achievements demonstrate how education, combined with technology and meaningful learning experiences, can create new possibilities for Q’eqchi’ Maya youth. Students are building valuable skills, discovering new interests, and preparing to contribute to the future of their communities.

Nine of the students on this trip had applied for and been awarded Government scholarships to attend university, yet no one had visited one! The choice of which school to attend and their major disciplines were still unknown. Other students in the 10^th and 11^th grade would be able to use this experience to prepare for their future educational journey and their future admission process.

 "Getting to know these spaces and listening to the stories of those who achieved their goals motivates us to keep preparing ourselves, because now we understand that our dreams can also come true if we persevere and take advantage of the opportunities that education gives us." - Alba Cleotilde Choc (Student)

This year, 12 students are in their final year of secondary education, preparing to graduate in 2026 and take their next steps toward higher education or professional careers. The continued growth in student retention and increased enrollment and graduation rates reflect the expanding educational opportunities offered by the school, including access to digital tools, vocational training, and academic support.

Technology continues to play an important role in this progress. Through computer classes and Internet access, students are developing digital skills that enhance their learning and help them explore opportunities beyond their communities. Specifically, Internet access has also enabled students and graduates to apply for scholarships and explore opportunities for higher education.

Other technology educational initiatives are also offered to further stimulate and engage student advancement in digital literacy. In February, 20 students participated in the third edition of Fabretto Innova, where they used Design Thinking to identify challenges in their communities and develop possible solutions.

At Xch’ool Ixim, we will continue promoting educational experiences that go beyond the classroom, broaden horizons, and motivate the next generation of student leaders to contribute to the development of their communities.

 We are deeply grateful to our donors and partners for their continued support of Q’eqchi’ Maya education. Your generosity is helping more young people gain access to the tools and opportunities they need to continue learning, growing, and working toward their goals.

Thank you, to everyone, who is supporting our mission to change educational pathways for Indigenous youth.