Guatemala is a country with striking features and a strong indigenous culture. Mountainous, heavily forested, and dotted with Mayan ruins, lakes, volcanoes, orchids, and exotic birds, it is one of the most beautiful countries in Central America.

But according to the World Bank, Guatemala has one of the most unequal income distributions in the world. The wealthiest  20% of the population consumes 51% of Guatemala’s GDP. As a result, about 51% of the population lives on less than $2 a day and 15% on less than $1 a day. Guatemala's social development indicators, such as infant mortality, chronic child malnutrition,  and illiteracy, are among the worst in the hemisphere.

Historically abandoned by central governments, most Mayan communities live in severe poverty in rural parts of Guatemala.  Basic services like running water, electricity, roads, schools, and health services are scarce.  Over the years Q’eqchi’ Partners has supported organizations and churches involved in helping improve the quality of life of rural Q’eqchi’ Mayans.  This mission continues and is even more urgent as climate change and organized crime threaten the lives of villagers in addition to the lack of employment and basic necessities already