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Natik is an international development organization committed to transforming marginalized communities through economic and educational empowerment. We accomplish this by providing financial and administrative support to our several partner organizations in Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala and Chiapas, Mexico.
Chiapas, Mexico • Geography: • 5 main regions, Natik works in two: • Highlands surrounding San Cristóbal de las Casas • Palenque, in the Gulf Cost plains • Population: • 40% Maya indigenous • Economy: • Produces coffee, oil, timber, hydroelectricity
Chiapas, Mexico • Economic and Educational Inequality • The wealthiest 10% of the population hold 41% of the wealth, and the poorest 10% hold 2%. • Literacy Rate (2010): • Women: 78% (in all of Mexico: 91%) • Men: 87% (in all of Mexico: 94%) • Average grad level attended (2010): • Chiapas: 6.7 • Mexico: 6.8
Chiapas, Mexico • Zapatista Uprising (1994-?) • Indigenous movement demanding land and cultural recognition • San Andres Accords on Indigenous Rights and Culture signed 1996 • Agreements were never implemented • Acteal massacre kills 45 people attending church in 1997 • Social movement draws in activists, volunteers, NGOs
YirtrakPingüinos An elementary school that practices social equity and serves the children of marginalized families in San Cristobal de las Casas. The mission of YirtrakPingüinos is to promote the personal development of each child through comprehensive and integral education with the participation of their families.
Veredas Supports sustainable and culturally sensitive development through education and empowerment that honors human dignity and self-determination. Veredashas three main areas of focus . . .
Accompanied Micro-loans Provides women in San Cristobal de las Casas and the surrounding area with the small loans they need to continue or expand businesses that give them an income and enrich their lives.
Chiapas Co-Service Cultural and language immersion opportunities partnering Mexican university students with international volunteers.
The ARCA An eco-education project in Palenque focusing on permaculture and alternative technology. The project brings together students and farmers, allowing older students to teach younger students about ecology while researching and implementing innovations for local agricultural products.
Santiago Atitlán • Population: app. 40,000 • Tzutujil Maya indigenous • Geography: located on LagoAtitlán • Elevation: 5,105 ft. • Surrounded by three volcanoes • Several surrounding hamlets: Panabaj, Chacaya, Chukmuk • Economy: • Plantations nearby grow coffee, other products • Many men work as day laborers, collect firewood • Many women care for their homes, do artisan work
Santiago Atitlán • Economic and educational inequality • The wealthiest 10% of the population hold 42% of the wealth, while the poorest 10% hold 1%. • Literacy rate (2010): • Santiago Atitlán: 56% • Guatemala: 82% • Education access (Santiago Atitlán, 2009): • Pre-primary: 38% • Primary: 74% • Junior high: 24% • Senior high: 5%
Santiago Atitlán • Guatemalan Civil War (1960-1996) • Oppressive government dictatorships • Thousands of Mayan civilians killed • Massacre in Santiago Atitlán killed 13 • Army expelled permanently from the town
The PuertaAbierta Libraryand La Escuelita A place for students of all ages to learn and grow. The library and school serve all income levels through a preschool and kindergarten, homework help, and parental support classes. Additionally PuertaAbierta runs a traveling library program that brings books and creative projects to rural schools nearby. The library is a vibrant learning center that is truly unique in the communities it serves.
“When we first started and read aloud to the children, it was the first time some of them had seen a storybook. They were mesmerized and just wanted to touch the glossy pages. It was like an exhibit in a museum.” –Amanda, founder and director of PuertaAbierta
Scholarship Program • Provides scholarships to academically motivated junior high and high school students who otherwise would not have the resources to continue their education. The scholarship program encourages the formation of young leaders who aim to improve life for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Just Apparel Connects artisans directly to buyers in the U.S., specializing in customized sweatshirts, t-shirts, polo shirts, and tote bags. Just Apparel artisans are women living in some of the most economically marginalized communities in Santiago. Unlike the other opportunities they may have to sell their handiwork, Just Apparel pays the artisans a fair living wage and ensures them a safe working environment, respect for cultural work patterns, reinvestment in the wider community, and support for their families.
Looking Forward . . . • In the past: 95% of donations went straight to partner programs. • Now: We are ready to expand, strengthen, and replicate our programs • Employing two professional fellows at a stipend of $350/mo. each • We need your help!
