Sunset in Santiago Chimaltenango
CURRENT PROJECT: Creating an Oasis in Santiago Chimaltenango
This village is perched in the mountains of a verdant valley in Northern Guatemala. A population of 12,000 people share the Mayan heritage and speak the language ‘Mam’. Although the village has few economic resources, it is a place of beauty and a place where family ties run deep.
These factors make the village a very desirable place to reside, despite the fact that most people lack modern creature comforts.
In the early 1990’s, this village was engulfed in the Guatemalan Civil War. Deep economic disparities prompted rival forces seeking economic justice to engage the Guatemalan government in armed conflict. The opposing forces were apparent in the daily life of those in the village including young Leonardo.
Learn more about the catalyst that sparked this project: Leo Aguilar
Current Projects:
Casa Cultura
BOLM has funded and supported the village with a center for community to gather, kids to learn, and an array of potential job opportunities. We are in the process of building the center. Stay tuned for updates!
We have provided the village with school supplies and backpacks, and have built a community center where the children can learn, grow, and play!
Constructing!
Casa Cultura is also helping the community by providing jobs to the locals.
Water Source
The very first project Leo started for the Village is the creation of the well.
Ample sustainable water for the village is drawn from these wells.
Prior to the well, free water was pumped into the homes of the village for only 3 hours per day.
There is a discussion about increasing the availability of the water through different sources; however, it is likely that there will be a charge for this service. This is an ongoing conversation.
More research is needed about the water and plans that the Municipality has for distribution.
Making Progress! The well is finishing up quickly.
Due to the geographical location of the village, machinery necessary to collect and filter water is not possible at this time.
Village residents have taken the crucial initiative to create a pure water source.
