Santa Cruz la Laguna, Guatemala sits atop a steep mountain overlooking Lake Atitlán. With a population of approximately 6,000 people, this is a small community with few resources. No roads or telephone systems wind their way through the town, and people congregate at the local sports court to watch children run and play.
Because electricity is both intermittent and expensive, education and access to information is a real problem for this community. But our partners, Amigos de Santa Cruz, hope to change that. In the fall of 2010, they officially opened the doors to Centro de Capacitacion (Center for Training), welcoming children and adults to learn more about computers, nutrition and skill building.
Historically, the cost of books and school supplies was enough to keep half of the town’s children out of school and in the fields. Today, with the help of Amigos de Santa Cruz, 98% of the children attend school and are supplied with the necessary tools for a successful future.
In addition to these education efforts, Amigos de Santa Cruz works to create better health care, a cleaner environment, and sustainable economic development for the area. From clinics and hygiene training to distributing eco-water filters, they are committed to enhancing the quality of life for this remote village.
ChangeStream Media is proud to partner with such an effective organization. During our stay in Santa Cruz la Laguna, we will host digital storytelling workshops with the teen media club and organization staff so that they will be fully prepared to tell their own stories on film. We will also create videos to empower the women of this community to vote, as well as explain the work of Amigos de Santa Cruz.