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our work

ecolibri

is a registered non-profit organization that has partnered with indigenous communities around Lake Atitlán, Guatemala, since 2004

Our primary goal is to increase access to education exponentially, ensuring inclusive and equitable opportunities for all through an annual scholarship program for indigenous students around Lake Atitlán.

Guatemala has one of the highest illiteracy rates in the western world, with indigenous students disproportionately disadvantaged. On average, indigenous people have 2.5 years of schooling compared to 5.7 years for the non-indigenous population. Schools are underfunded and often have poor infrastructure, with few educational resources and equipment, inadequate facilities, and limited access to clean water/sanitation.

​Indigenous parents generally have less schooling than non-indigenous parents, and thus, they occupy a lower socioeconomic status. With more than 50% of the population of Guatemala living below the poverty line, many families simply cannot afford the costs of school uniforms, sports outfits, shoes, books, stationery, supplies and a healthy snack (none of which are supplied by the government). Suffering from extreme poverty, many families choose to work together to sustain themselves during the seasonal crop harvest, causing many children to drop out of school and remain illiterate.

We partner with local schools to identify the children with the greatest need of support and help them remain in school for longer, bolster confidence, increase literacy, and expand achievement. This support provides students with a more promising economic future, giving them a better chance to live a longer, healthier, and more prosperous life. ​In our program, we pair international sponsors with students, providing an annual stipend of $365 ($1 per day), for the purchase of school materials, stationery, uniforms, sports clothes, shoes, and a daily healthy snack. 

​Find out more about how to contribute to our child sponsorship program here.

UNITED NATIONS

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

Our work in education contributes to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 1, 4 & 8.

Every donation is a powerful catalyst that helps people gain access to the knowledge and tools they need to sustain their lives and livelihoods. General donations contribute to the running costs of our organization including accountancy, stationary/ office, transportation, legal fees.

$30k

5

$50k

ANNUAL FUNDING
SCHOOL PARTNERS
PROJECT FUNDING

$30k

5

$50k

ANNUAL FUNDING
SCHOOL PARTNERS
PROJECT FUNDING

Sponsoring a child is a commitment to improving the opportunities for a student. With your support, you can be part of changing the future. We allocate and assign sponsorship to the children in most need.

Potential sponsors can sign up to donate a minimum annual donation of $365 to our program. With this, you will be paired with a child from San Juan La Laguna and receive updates of progress throughout the year. Your donation pays for:

  • School Stationery

  • Healthy Snack

  • School uniforms, sportswear, and shoes

  • Food Basket

  • Music Instrument or Art Supplies

SPONSORSHIP

$30k

5

$50k

ANNUAL FUNDING
SCHOOL PARTNERS
PROJECT FUNDING

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73+

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SCHOOLS
STUDENTS
SPONSORS

We facilitate volunteer opportunities such as teaching, medical, recycling, permaculture, creative arts, and administrative support.

250+

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100+

VOLUNTEERS
SCHOOLS
DONORS