Fundación Kaqchikel

Fundación Kaqchikel emerged in the context of the Peace Accords signed in Guatemala in 1996, following 36 years of armed conflict. Since its establishment, the organisation has played an important role as a civil society actor in Guatemala, contributing to the development of education and advocating for inclusive, culturally relevant and linguistically appropriate education. Through its advocacy work, the organisation promotes the rights of Indigenous peoples, including the recognition and strengthening of Indigenous languages and cultures within the education system. The organisation has also contributed to broader educational development in Guatemala through teacher training, the development of educational materials and collaboration with communities, schools and other stakeholders. Its work has a particular focus on promoting the rights, culture and language of the Kaqchikel Maya people. The main activities of Fundación Kaqchikel have included the development of educational materials in the Kaqchikel language (textbooks) for primary school students and teachers; training teachers in Mayan language and culture; raising awareness among parents so that they can support the educational process in a culturally and linguistically relevant manner; and advocacy for the rights of Indigenous peoples and for more inclusive and equitable education in Guatemala.