Helping communities

Helping communities in Guatemala

Since its beginning in 1987, Casa Xelaju has been helping communities through education in the countryside near Quetzaltenango. We strongly believe that providing tools to rural schools we can help students to acquire the knowledge, critical thinking and skills to break the circle of poverty which will lessen the inequality and lasting development in the country. Here is a partial list of schools and communities that are currently receiving our help: Aldeas Francisco, Vela and Palmarcito, San Felipe, Reu, and La Pedrera Community Project.

Aldea Francisco Vela is the place where our founder, Julio E. Batres was born. 15 years ago, three acres of land were purchased by Casa Xelaju for $60,000 to build a kindergarten, a middle school and a basketball court. Now, more than 250 students are enrolled in both schools. In addition, the community of 3,400 people have access to the basketball court.

For the local elementary school in this community, Casa Xelaju has donated more than 200 laptops since 2010. Now, more than 300 students from first to sixth grade are able to learn basic concepts about computer science. In addition, the school has received a donation of music instruments for its band which include: trumpets, saxophones, cornets, tubas and sousaphones.

Middle School el Palmarcito, in San Felipe, Reu, a set of 12 computers were donated to create a computer lab.

La Pedrera School Project was started in 2000. This is an impoverished indigenous community on the hills of the city Quetzaltenango. Casa Xelaju with the help of other organizations built a three story small building where elementary, middle and high school students have received education support after school.This program has had a positive impact in the community with almost 90 students completing high school since the program started. Before this program started, no children were able to complete elementary school.

We appreciate the help of former Casa Xelaju students and a non profit organization from France to support parents who are unable to buy the educational material requested by the schools. If you are interested in supporting a child’s education, you are welcome to request a tour the the community or visit https://lapedrera.cx.edu.gt/

Finally, Casa Xelaju pays a living wage to its teachers and office staff along with all benefits which includes social security, health insurance, vacations and three economic bonuses each year. We really care about our staff.

The history of Casa Xelajú (1987) is one built on trial and error with visions of a better future for Guatemala and an international awareness of Guatemala’s political, social, and cultural situation.

Helping communities

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