New Steps Towards Autonomy in La Bendición
La Bendición, “the blessing,” is a rural community in the Guatemalan highlands, formed by more than 80 Maya families. After being displaced from their homes amidst Guatemala’s Civil War, these families came together in 2000 to purchase a communal land base and rebuild their livelihoods.
They now work with our partner, Utz Che’, as the Empresa Campesina Associativa (ECA) La Bendición, managing more than 400 acres of forest land, revitalizing ancestral lifeways and culture, and creating sustainable local economies.
Building on their roots of strong community organization, ECA La Bendición is working to equip young people with key tools to support the community’s future. While many of these tools are ancestral knowledges and land-based practices, some focus specifically on capacity for self-management amidst contemporary challenges.
As part of a comprehensive training package that supports community members in developing sustainable local economies, ECA La Bendición has collaborated with ACINMEX Computing Academy, another grassroots organization, to support 10 youth in completing an extensive computer training course. The 5-month course included more than 240 hours of hands-on training, and at its completion, participating youth earned certifications as computer operator technicians. This year, ECA La Bendición will continue the program with more youth from their community.
The digital divide continues to constrain rural and Indigenous youth, and their communities, from accessing resources, opportunities, and information. From navigating government documents and agencies, to managing key administrative needs of their organization, computer training addresses this divide and provides the future leaders of La Bendición with crucial skills for the community’s self-management going forward.
“This program is not just about learning how to use a computer, but about giving the youth of La Bendición the skills to care for and protect their community.” - Marlen Garcia, TWP
