This project will offer four dynamic, culturally-rooted courses to youth in Chajul, Guatemala on topics such as life design, transformative leadership, and social entrepreneurship. Inspired by the design-thinking approach, participants will receive 8 workshops, mentorship, engagement with local and international experts, and applied learning opportunities. Created by and for Mayan youth, this innovative project will serve to advance personal, professional, academic, and economic development.
The municipality of Chajul is predominantly made up of people of the Ixil Mayan ethnicity, with an approximate population of 46,658 people. Of these inhabitants, only 349 people - or less than 1% - are university graduates, prepared to work professionally; and just 14 Chajulense have earned a Master's Degree, according to the 2018 Population Census. The vast majority of young people do not have access to academic or career counseling, or mentors to guide their way.
Education is a critical priority in Chajul. The community needs and is seeking educational opportunities that complement what they receive in their formal educational systems. Filantropis plays a critical role in this. We are well positioned to be a center for innovative educational offerings. Led by and for Mayan youth, this initiative delivers customized, culturally-relevant content that provide the tools and mentorship needed for young people to make informed decisions about their future.
"The youth in Chajul have a hunger to learn and to know other people; this is what gives us motivation to carry forward. Thanks to Filantropis, I see people who have accomplished their goals and I see opportunity; I know that I can realize my goals, too." - Clarissa, a Design Your Life course participant in 2022 The long-term impact of this initiative will be that all youth in Chajul, like Clarissa, have the tools and mentorship needed to be leaders and change agents in their community.
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