2022 Annual Impact Report ︱ Amigos de Santa Cruz Foundation

AMIGOS DE SANTA CRUZ FOUNDATION

ANNUAL IMPACT REPORT 2022

Changing the world, one community at a time, one generation at a time.

A LETTER FROM OUR EXCUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dear Friends,

I am proud to share this year’s stories of accomplishment and inspiration from our little corner of the world. As the acute difficulties of the pandemic move further behind us, the Amigos team is resolved in refocusing our commitment to long-term investment that is leading to real and lasting impact in the Santa Cruz communities.

This year’s accomplishments included: training in new areas such as solar installation and community tourism that will bring jobs to Santa Cruz, and expansion of our Reading Program to include 144 local children. We supported 57 women entrepreneurs to run their own business, and awarded 74 secondary and higher education scholarships. We also trained 78 teachers in sexual and reproductive health education and continued to engage parents and youth on this important topic. However, while we celebrate our accomplishments, we also know that the challenges are

great. The men and women of Santa Cruz are feeling the pull to migrate to the United States grow ever stronger. The majority in our village do not want to leave their community and their family. Our challenge, as Amigos, is to shape a stronger, healthier and more resilient Santa Cruz, where families can live and thrive. We will do this through economic opportunities that are fair and dignified, and through access to a quality education that inspires critical thinking and selfconfidence in every student.

To our friends and supporters around the world, we are beyond grateful to each and every one of you for helping us to get to where we are today. By focusing on this one community, one generation at a time, we truly have the power to change this world for the better. Thank you for believing in our mission and in our community.

Jessie Cohn Executive Director

EDUCATION PROGRAMS AT A GLANCE

Education is at the heart of everything we do. Access to quality education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty in Santa Cruz.

74 Scholarships Awarded

These included scholarships for middle school, high school and university students. Despite local cultural barriers to girls education, this year girls represented 58% of our scholarship recipients!

141 Children Improved Their Reading Skills

Our program instills a love for reading while fostering critical thinking skills. 92% of students successfully completed the year in 2022, and 80% of parents are actively involved in supporting their children’s education.

185 Youth Learned About Sex Education

Amigos staff reached local youth with vital sexual and reproductive health education through workshops that also discussed self esteem, gender equality, social -emotional development and goal planning.

227 Local Students Started with Computer Classes

Amigos donated computers to equip laboratories and provided maintenance support, curriculum and technology training for teachers.

ECONOMIC PROGRAMS AT A GLANCE

Teaching technical skills and investing in local businesses is central to the Amigos mission. A thriving local economy means a thriving Santa Cruz.

115 New Graduates From Vocational Courses

A 20% increase in graduates compared to 2021; 24 total courses included cooking, carpentry, electricity, solar installation and artisan skills.

100% Of Culinary Graduates Employed

All eight graduates in this year’s Culinary Program obtained work in the restaurants where they held their internship. 80% of all culinary graduates since the program began in 2012 are currently employed.

400+

Tours Provided by Community Tour Guide Graduates

The group of nine graduates are now certified by the national entity of tourism (INTECAP).

57

Local Women Business Owners

These women run 13 different Amigos-supported businesses including production of organic eggs, honey, oyster mushrooms and cacao products as well as soaps and detergents.

Amigos works to improve the lives of the indigenous people of Santa Cruz La Laguna and surrounding villages through support for education and sustainable economic empowerment.

OUR MISSION OUR VISION

We envision Santa Cruz communities where all families live in a healthy environment and have access to sustainable sources of income; where schools provide quality education to all children; and where women, men and youth have an active voice in decisions that impact their communities.

THE AMIGOS APPROACH

For 25 years, our programs have grown in response to changing local needs, led by Santa Cruz community members.

FOCUS ON ONE COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT, NOT HANDOUTS

By focusing on the seven rural communities of Santa Cruz, Amigos is able to understand and respond to the specific challenges facing the community.

LONG-TERM INVESTMENT

Amigos is playing a crucial role in the powerful generational change currently underway in Santa Cruz. We are helping a generation attain an education for the first time.

Amigos does not give handouts. We build the skills and confidence that people need to improve their own livelihoods and community over the long term.

FROM PARTICIPANTS TO STAFF

Our two program directors were among the very first students who received donated school supplies when Amigos was founded in 1998.

OUR STAFF

LOCAL STAFF

25 of our 30 staff members come from the Santa Cruz communities, ensuring that our work is led by community members themselves. Local input and buy-in is a fundamental pillar of our programs. Community leaders themselves set our strategic vision and are at the forefront of social change in their own community.

FEMALE LEADERSHIP

Currently 65% of our entire Amigos’ team and 100% of our top organizational leadership are women! This contributes to closing the gender gap in Santa Cruz by empowering local female leadership.

OUR COMMUNITY

Perched on the steep slopes of the volcanic crater forming Lake Atitlán, many of the Santa Cruz communities can only be accessed by boat or, with difficulty, by rudimentary roads. Santa Cruz’s four lower communities of Tzununa, Tzanjomel, Jaibalito and Santa Cruz village are close to Lake Atitlán’s shore. The three upper communities of Chuitzanchaj, Pajomel and Laguna Seca are a two hour hike straight up the mountainside from the lake or accessed by basic roads on the far side of the ridge. Due to this difficult terrain, Santa Cruz was largely cut off from education and economic opportunities available in larger population centers.

ECONOMY

Historically a predominantly agricultural community, Santa Cruz faced challenges expanding its economy due to the rugged terrain and isolated location. In addition to occasional manual labor and selling handicrafts, tourism to Lake Atitlán has created work opportunities in local hotels, restaurants and expat homes. Despite this growth, the Santa Cruz community continues to suffer from high unemployment, low wages and wide gender disparities. Amigos invests in the local economy by developing small businesses and creating professional opportunities for young Cruceños.

EDUCATION

Only a generation ago, dropping out of primary school after only a year or two was the norm, particularly for young girls. School facilities lacked supplies and qualified teachers. The vast majority of Santa Cruceños could only dream of finishing middle school, let alone high school. Now, Santa Cruz has four middle schools. Many young cruceños and cruceñas are finishing middle school and more are going on to high school, some even to university. While educational attainment is on the rise, classes are frequently cancelled, teachers are often underqualified, and school resources are stretched thin. Improving the quality of local schools is a constant challenge and key to creating positive change for Santa Cruz youth.

EDUCATION AND YOUTH PROGRAMS

FORMAL EDUCATION

EARLY EDUCATION READING PROGRAM

HIGHER EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

YOUTH LEADERSHIP

SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH (SRH) PROGRAM

SANTA CRUZ YOUTH CORPS

ROSALÍA SIMÓN PÉREZ

Letter from the Director of Education Programs & Administration

2022 was a year of learning and growth in our education programs. Our team saw children, youth and parents alike addressing social-emotional issues to help them achieve greater academic success. I am proud of our team. We have pivoted to these needs and responded with resources and support. We recognize that our community needs a holistic approach to education in order to help them succeed.

The year also brought surprises that no one could have imagined 25 years ago, with the purchase of a dedicated space for our Reading Program. Parents requested a large, safe space that would provide the ideal infrastructure for teaching the youngest children in the community, and we were able to respond.

2023 will provide an opportunity for us to inject new ideas, reassess our goals and develop our vision for the next 20 years. As we start this new year, our goal of ensuring quality educational opportunity for the children of Santa Cruz has never been so clear, which makes every step we take absolutely worth it.

FORMAL EDUCATION

2022 Spending: $148,818

EARLY EDUCATION READING PROGRAM

This program inspires a joy for learning while developing critical thinking skills through literature. Children engage with books through discussion, art, theater, and song. In a community with few books and high adult illiteracy rates, the home lending library and parental engagement are fostering a new culture of reading and learning in the community.

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Amigos provides competitive scholarships for high school and university studies, and a few select middle school students. We require adherence to high academic standards as well as a commitment to give back to the community. Recipients participate in youth leadership conferences and complete community projects addressing issues such as the environment, cultural identity and gender equality.

91% of our Reading Program graduates continue on to middle school, compared to only 47% of the general population in Santa Cruz.

EDUCATIONAL SUCCESS

• Our Reading Program achieved a 92% retention rate , and 80% active parental involvement.

• A newly energized group of parental leaders in our Reading Program has formed a governing committee and is now supporting other parents with tools and information on how to read with their children at home, a new concept in Santa Cruz where literacy rates remain low.

• Amigos-supported nightly tutoring for high school scholarship students resulted in a 24% grade point average increase since 2020.

• 75 parents of scholarship students reported improved communication with their children and an increased commitment to their children’s academic goals after participating in Amigos training workshops.

• A new alliance with the Universidad del Valle de Guatemala (UVG) is providing an exciting, high-quality educational opportunity, on a modern university campus, for a select group of middle school scholarship students.

MEET JONNY, A YOUNG MAN EAGER TO EXCEL

My name is Jonny and my dream is to open an art center for children in Santa Cruz.

I am the oldest of my five siblings now, although some of my siblings died over the years in childbirth. Currently, I work with my Dad in his blacksmith shop, have started my own barber shop venture, and am pursuing a university degree in tourism. I keep myself busy because it provides me with the opportunity to better myself and helps me focus on my future.

Since I was 12, I have been taking vocational courses in CECAP including carpentry, painting and even barbering. I am applying what I learned, generating income for my family through my barber shop, and even regulating my emotions with the painting skills I acquired in that class years ago.

When I applied for a high school scholarship from Amigos, it was difficult for me to pass the entrance evaluation. But, I worked hard, finished high school, and now have won an Amigos scholarship to study tourism in the university! I am very proud that I am succeeding, even though it has been emotionally difficult for me. The tutor assigned to us in the program helped me out of a period of depression, and today I can say that I am recovering my essence, which allows me to relate better to my teachers, family and even expand my circle of friends. My parents’ support has also been important to my success. Even though they cannot help me with the academics, because they did not go to school themselves, they always motivate me to continue.

In 2022, my little brother applied for a scholarship to continue on to middle school and it wasn’t as difficult for him academically as it was for me. I think that was because he participated in the Amigos Reading Program from an early age. That makes me hopeful that things are getting better for the children who come after me.

2022

Spending: $63,514

SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH PROGRAM

This program provides youth with the tools to make educated decisions about their bodies, their families, and their future. We train public school teachers in SRH* education, provide regular workshops for parents, and equip peer youth leaders to be SRH ambassadors in their local communities.

SANTA CRUZ YOUTH CORPS

Higher education is now a reality for many local young people, yet graduates still struggle to find employment. We address this by providing on-the-job experience with professional employers around Lake Atitlán, together with professional and leadership skill development. Upon completion, participants are equipped with greater experience and skills to find success in the workplace.

LEADERSHIP IN ACTION

• 12 Youth Ambassadors trained with key SRH information to then provide workshops to 61 youth in their villages on the prevention of adolescent and teenage pregnancies.

• SRH monthly home visits expanded to reach 20 additional women for a total of 44 women now participating from Santa Cruz and Tzununá villages. Home visits provide a safe space for local women to ask questions on reproductive health for themselves and for their teenage children.

• The 4th Annual Campaign Against Sexual Violence was held in November, raising awarenessr on this taboo subject yet pervasive form of violence, in the seven Santa Cruz communities.

• Over 80 teachers received SRH education through workshops. 38 are already replicating this content in their classroom, despite the controversy of the subject.

“I have had problems with my principal, because she is opposed to teaching SRH in the school for religious reasons. This year I risked my job teaching SRH, because I felt that it is vital information that students must have. Slowly but surely, my students are more attentive to the information.”

Cesar Miguel Cuc, teacher at Jaibalito School

• The Youth Corps completed a community service project focused on the closure of a clandestine trash dump, cleaning and enclosing the piece of land to avoid future contamination.

*Sexual and Reproductive Health.

88% of Youth Corps graduates, since the program began in 2015, are currently employed

ROSA PETRONA SIMAJ MARTÍN

I am now 20 years old and I can proudly say that I have a high school diploma with a focus on business administration. With an Amigos scholarship I was able to become the first in my extended family to graduate from high school. In 2021, after graduating, I was excited to be accepted into the Santa Cruz Youth Corps because I knew it was an opportunity to access employment and begin to learn both personal and professional skills. One thing I learned during my time as a Youth Corps Intern was that a leader, unlike a boss, nurtures her team.

Today I can say that I am applying this idea in my first formal job resulting from my internship, a Production Assistant with the Manos Cruceñas Artisan Store. In my job I have close contact with the artisans who make the products we sell. If they need support, I take the time to teach, clarify and guide them.

I trust in myself and in what I have achieved so far. In a year, I want to enter university and study business administration or accounting. In 10 years, I see myself pursuing another career, with my own house full of nice furniture, where I can put a roof over my mother’s head, as she gave to me.

“No matter the obstacle, I am capable of overcoming it. This I learned from my mother.”

- Rosa Petrona Simaj Martin

ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMS

CECAP VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTER

SOCIAL IMPACT BUSINESSES

CAFÉ SABOR CRUCEÑO

MANOS CRUCEÑAS ARTISAN STORE

WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM

ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES

ESTELA SIMAJ

Letter from the Director of Economic Empowerment Programs

I am proud of what was accomplished in 2022, and particularly proud of my hardworking team. We were able to meet the goals established during 2022, which included expanding the Community Tourism Program, creating innovative products, improving customer service in our social businesses, and growing the client portfolios for the womenowned businesses. Last year a new group of women entrepreneurs entered the program and I am excited to see their new skills and self-confidence as they move forward in growing their businesses. Every one of Amigos programs brings great value to the community. I am committed to meeting our goals in 2023 to ensure fair and secure living conditions that our community deserves. We will do this through local economic empowerment as well as professional and technical development.

EARLY EDUCATION CECAP VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTER

CECAP introduced its first course in solar installation in 2022, responding to an area of high demand in the local job market.

PUTTING SANTA CRUZ TO WORK

• CECAP’s Culinary Program, which has gained great prominance around Lake Atitlan, trained its 12th year of graduates.

• A new partnership with the Universidad del Valle (UVG) allowed access to specialization courses in which our advanced-level carpentry students studied digital software-assisted manufacturing methods. These specialized courses increase their opportunities in the labor market.

• Of the 117 CECAP graduates, 62% are working in the areas in which they were trained. A large percentage of the remainder are continuing their training within CECAP multilevel courses.

• 24 vocational courses completed, reaching 171 students.

2022 Spending: $150,173

CECAP VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTER

CECAP was born out of a 2006 conversation with Santa Cruz community leaders about how best to grow the impoverished local economy. The few jobs available were lowpaying manual labor, and women had next to no prospect of earning an income outside the home. The community wanted a center to provide pathways out of this poverty cycle. In 2010 CECAP opened its doors to provide just that. Today, CECAP trains students each year in trades including culinary arts, carpentry and weaving.

Graduates work all around Lake Atitlán and in the two social enterprise businesses located in the CECAP building. The CECAP building is also home to the Amigos program offices and is a central space for community meetings.

SOCIAL BUSINESSES

Run and staffed by CECAP graduates.

2022 Spending: $194,328

CAFÉ SABOR CRUCEÑO

Since opening its doors in 2012, the Café has provided work for more than 11 graduating classes of CECAP’s Culinary Program. Young chefs from Santa Cruz are employed in Café Sabor Cruceño to learn practical skills and develop work experience that will help launch their future culinary careers.

Did you know?

The Café is the top-rated restaurant in Santa Cruz for more than five years running!

MANOS CRUCEÑAS ARTISAN STORE

The store features textiles and jewelry made by graduates of CECAP’s sewing, beading, embroidery and weaving courses. Economic opportunities outside the home are scarce for women in Santa Cruz. Working for the store provides local artisans with a fair living wage, combined with the flexibility to work in the home while taking care of children and other household tasks.

Did you know?

During 2022, the store not only provided work for local artisans, but also paid for new weaving tools, eye exams and glasses.

PROGRAM

2022 Spending: $60,003

CECAP

WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM

This program empowers women through greater inclusion in the local economy, supporting women to become owners and managers of their own businesses. Our staff collaborates with local women to identify business opportunities, then provides training and technical assistance to help the women start and sustain their new endeavors.

Amigos supports local women to redefine traditional gender roles and create new opportunities in the most remote communities of Santa Cruz. For women who have never attended school and may not speak Spanish, the ability to earn an income on their own, for the first time, is lifechanging. Our holistic approach empowers women both inside and outside the home.

100% of businesses supported by Amigos for more than a year have begun to cover their own expenses as well as set aside savings for emergencies.

ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT IN ACTION

• A total of nine operating women-owned businesses were established with Amigos support, benefiting 40 local women.

• Four additional women-owned businesses approached Amigos for marketing and management support and are now growing their sales and profit margins, benefiting another 17 women.

• 112.5% growth in client portfolio in 2022.

• Many local men look negatively upon their wives’ involvement in these businesses, yet some are starting to develop more positive attitudes after seeing the extra income generated.

• The organic honey, eggs and cacao businesses have expanded their point-of-sale strategies, increasing visibility and revenue. Their products can now also be purchased from Amigos’ social business, Café Sabor Cruceño.

WOMEN GROW THE ECONOMY AND LOCAL TOURISM

In 2022, 18 families participated in a CECAP course on how to become a homestay host. Seven of those participants, all women, are now offering their services to local visitors! Homestays allow tourists to live, eat and learn about the local culture hand-inhand with local families.

With planned support for home infrastructure improvements and business training, Amigos will support even more families to become homestay hosts in 2023, as well as develop a digital media to advertise bookings.

INITIATIVES IN COMMUNITYBASED TOURISM

Amigos is investing in initiatives that develop community-based tourism in Santa Cruz, providing economic opportunities to the local population while also celebrating the local Kakchiquel Mayan culture. These new initiatives include: community tourism guides and cultural experiences, homestay opportunities with local families, ‘Orgullo Cruceño’ (painting and mural project) and improvements to local hiking trails.

SO FAR.. 44 400+

graduated from CECAP’s various community-based tourism courses 2021 and 2022.

visitors enjoyed the services of the Santa Cruz Jo’ Guide association.

The entire village and visiting tourists now benefit from cleaner and safer local trails and improvements to the village center.

Juana, Homestay Host Course graduate welcoming guests.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR BOARD PRESIDENT

When I look back on 2022 for Amigos the words that come to mind are adaptation, consolidation and vision. We are continually looking at how to improve and streamline our programs with a focus on measuring the actual impact they have on individuals and the community as a whole. Amigos is versatile enough to be able to identify needs and adjust in order to address them and this past year we’ve been working on improving this process.

The building and analysis of our participant database has been an invaluable tool in measuring impact and guiding future decisions. One example was our ability to identify the social-emotional needs of our Reading and Scholarship Program students, and respond with the necessary tools to help them better succeed. While making adaptations such as these, we keep our eyes on the future through our upcoming 5-year Strategic Plan.

The Amigos Board of Directors consists of eleven committed members, all of whom are full or part-time residents of Santa Cruz La Laguna.

From left to right, lower row: Nancy Ochsenschlager, Debra Blake, Nancy Bingham (Vice President), Deedle Ratcliffe (President), Erynne Dowe (Secretary) and Cynthia Davis.

From left to right, upper row: Riley Sise, John Berry, Santos Canel and Lee Beal (Treasurer) / Not pictured: Rory Delaney