Help Indigenous Farm School Restore and Strengthen the Knowledge of Life for Mayan Youth in Guatemala

We are raising $3,000 for durable fencing materials for three experimental farming parcels in rural Guatemala. Our goal is to strengthen our youth's knowledge of and connection to the land, and restore the well-being of the community in balance with the surrounding ecosystems. 

Led by young, Kaqchikel Mayan people since 2015, Awän Agroecology (Awän Agroecología) is a farm school and seed bank near the highlands of the iconic Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. In addition to running an agroecological farm based on the milpa system, Awän conducts research and holds courses, workshops, and festivals on indigenous farming methods. Awän also hosts a seed bank of regional native seeds that serves as the backbone of the school.

Beginning May 2023, we will work with youth in the community to create three experimental farming parcels just outside of Sololá, Guatemala. Through creating and planting in these parcels, we hope to share the technical knowledge and experiences that our ancestors have compiled with our next generations. This work is critical as youth are rapidly losing interest in working in the earth, in large part due to globalization and poverty. By restoring their connection to and understanding of their land, youth will have agency, learn how to nourish themselves and their families, and be inspired to care for the land.

We are asking for your contribution to help us raise a total of $3,000 to create the three experimental parcels. In particular, your support will allow us to purchase the following materials to build a durable fence for the parcels:

-15 rolls of galvanized metal fencing (22 meters x 2 meters each), and

-60 galvanized metal posts to reinforce the fencing.

Your contribution will ensure that the produce and medicinal plants planted by youth will be protected from trespassers, trash, as well as stray dogs and other animals. This fence will have a life of more than 10 years, and will safeguard the hard work and investments of our youth.

Thank you for kindly supporting our community, future generations, and the land that sustains us all. 

Awän Agroecology