Send Maya Ixil Youth to University in Guatemala

The past year brought yet another milestone to the work of Filantropis: the organization has now supported 16 Chajulense youth in gaining their university degrees. That’s sixteen more prepared professionals and changemakers in the community. Thanks to supporters like you who believe in the work of Filantropis, Chajul now has teachers, accountants, business owners, nurses, human resource professionals, agronomists, and even a lawyer who are prepared to support their families and their community as a whole. 

This is a very impressive accomplishment when we take into account that Chajul, while being a community rich in culture and tradition, is one that has very low formal education progress. The most recent census report (2018) shows that education is prioritized by families for young children (40% complete primary education), but that priority begins to decrease as students advance to middle and high school (13% complete both levels). The level of university graduates is only 1% of the population, a dramatic statistic especially when compared to the state of Quiche as a whole where Chajul is situated (5%), and neighboring states of Huehuetenango (10%), Quetzaltenango (19%), and Guatemala (17%). 

Filantropis recognizes that formal education is fundamental to supporting the growth, development and wellbeing of the Ixil community, of which Chajul is a part. They are committed to creating avenues for young people in their community who wish to attend university, to have the resources and support system necessary to do so. Please join us in congratulating the recent graduates, and continuing to believe in the current Scholars!