Opportunities & Hope for 250 Guatemalan Maya Women

In 2013, the community of Chuicutama opened its doors to volunteers from various parts of the country and abroad to support the holistic development of women, children, and families. Through the Asociación de Mujeres del Altiplano – Salud del Comportamiento (Highland Women's Association – Behavioral Health), a process began that would mark a before and after in the community's life: the construction of the first wood-saving stoves.

These stoves were not just a technological improvement, but a true blessing for the families, as they provided a safe space for food preparation, reduced exposure to smoke and excessive wood consumption, and decreased the working hours of women. Thanks to this, many families today enjoy a healthier home with greater unity and shared time. During their stays, which usually lasted for eight days, volunteers slept in the homes of host families or in a community hall set up with mats and materials donated by the community itself.

Observing the need for a suitable space to host volunteer groups, a meeting was held with the COCODE (Community Development Council) in 2010. In that meeting, the construction of a Community Center was agreed upon—a space that would serve not only as temporary lodging but also as a hub for meetings, training, and development for the entire community.

With the support of the COCODE, volunteers, donors, and the Association, the project became a reality in 2012. Later, in 2014, Act 001-2014 was registered, stipulating that the community was the rightful owner of the Community Center, administered by the COCODE under the terms of a cooperation agreement with the Asociación de Mujeres del Altiplano. This agreement includes its renewal every five years, within a framework of transparency, collaboration, and commitment to development.

Over the years, the Community Center has played a key role in implementing various projects, including the introduction of a drainage system and the installation of treatment plants with biodigesters—initiatives that have significantly improved environmental health and the quality of life in Chuicutama.

In June of this year, the agreement between the Association and the community was renewed. Currently, the COCODE is strengthened, motivated, and has a clear vision for the future. As agents of change, they have identified two priority projects to continue driving local development:

1. Paving the approximately 800-meter stretch of road that connects the Community Center with the community school.
2. Drilling a drinking water well to guarantee access to this resource for all families. Both projects are planned to be executed over a period of three years each, under a tripartite cooperation model involving the community, the Association, and management with municipal or state entities.

To date, three meetings have been held with the COCODE to define the terms of the new agreement and strengthen local capacities in project management, planning, and formulation. This support aims to ensure that community leaders understand the processes, regulations, and requirements necessary to access funding and institutional support.

The experience of Chuicutama reflects the importance of communities being organized, prepared, and empowered, capable of managing their own development. As the Asociación de Mujeres del Altiplano, we reaffirm our commitment to continue guiding and accompanying the COCODES, enabling them to be the protagonists of their own transformation and build stronger, more sustainable, and prosperous communities together.

With your continued support, we can empower Chuicutama’s leaders to bring their bold vision to life. Together with Asociación de Mujeres del Altiplano (AMA), you empower Chuicutama to build sustainable solutions. Donate today to create a lasting impact!