In Guatemala improving community health with wood burning stoves, composting toilets, grey water systems; and providing volunteer and experiential learning opportunies.

 

 

 

Calacirya Foundation is an organization dedicated to facilitating growth. Beyond our work with indigenous peoples of Guatemala we are also committed to bringing people from different parts of the world together to learn from one another. Calacirya Foundation invites individuals and groups to take advantage of the unique opportunity of living, learning, and volunteering amidst the beauty and warmth of Guatemala.

 

Guatemala is a storehouse of unique ecosystems. This small country houses over 8000 species of plants in 19 different ecosystems ranging from the mangrove forests on both coasts to the pine forests of the mountainous interior to the cloud forests at higher altitudes.

 

Traditionally, the impoverished Maya people cook on open fires inside the home resulting in inefficient wood use and a variety of serious health issues. Installing efficient, enclosed wood burning stoves is a simple, cost effective way to decrease deforestation and remove smoke from the home, increasing the overall health and quality of life of the Maya people.

 

Calacirya Foundation is employing new building techniques using plastic trash in construction. This serves to hide unsightly, disease-causing garbage while creating community areas for all to enjoy. In addition, focus is placed on the importance of dealing with plastic trash in a more responsible manner and the long term effects of creating non-biodegradable garbage. Our two-fold goal is to affect a significant reduction in the use of plastics and to promote trash construction.

 

Our goal is to teach through involvement with indigenous communities and team oriented experiential learning activities. Trips are designed on an individual basis according to personal and team goals. Because we enjoy the confidence of the local people, no matter what they choose, groups and individuals are given a rare and intimate opportunity to experience life within Mayan communities.

 

In addition, we feel the experience a volunteer takes home with them is just as important as the work they have left behind. Volunteers are encouraged to know the people they work alongside and experience the local community. At Calacirya Foundation, we facilitate personal relationships based on the mutual interests of volunteers and local people.

 

Calacirya Foundation is teaming up with educators and professionals, from around the world, who can teach practical skills useful to the people of rural Guatemala. Currently, we are looking to host: Carpenters, Welders, Computer professionals, English teachers, Mechanics and others . . .