Sunday, December 11, 2011

Lichutam.org

Li Ch'utams vision is to promote sustainable development and poverty alleviation while improving possibilities and conditions for inhabitants through creative, community-led projects.

We are located in a mountain valley at the south-eastern part of Alta Verapaz, where the Polochic river flows through a magnificent rainforest region culminating into the the Lago Izabal (largest lake in Guatemala.) Unfortunately the potential for economic development and prosperity for the people of the region is hampered by very poor levels of infrastructure (e.g. there are no asphalt roads; water and electricity are scarcely provided) rising unemployment and very low educational standards.

Caleb Winship and I (David Kando) will be living amongst the people of Nueva Mercedes for the next 6 months where we will design and oversee the implementation of several pilot projects designed to combat poverty in this beautiful region of Alta Verapaz. 

We invite you all to follow our progress as we become part of the local community/culture and identify serious needs, obstacles, and resources available to put together sustainable projects regarding local education, agriculture, healthcare, and livelihoods.

As part of our new global exchange initiative we invite you to contact us and begin a discussion to coordinate short/long-term site visits, village guests, or volunteer experiences. As a volunteer we would be interested in program coordinators to stay for 1 year or longer or 2-month volunteers who would hold less responsibility and be essential in the implementation of projects + growth of the organization.

If you are interested in learning more you can contact us on Facebook - David Kando or Caleb Winship or send an e-mail at kando.d@neu.edu or winship.c@neu.edu.