Preguntas frecuentes

32 Volcanes is an association that promotes community autonomy through holistic dynamics based on sociocultural memory and the sacredness of livelihoods. It carries out actions aimed at restoring the collective memory of production systems, cultural identity, and ancestral worldview for food sovereignty. The association uses both formal and informal education as a strategy to address issues related to agroecology, nutrition, and health. Food insecurity, caused by limited access to arable land, climate change, natural disasters, crop losses, and the use of agricultural technology packages, restricts access to nutritious food. This leads to high rates of malnutrition in rural and indigenous populations, resulting in stunted growth in children under five (8 out of 10 in rural indigenous populations), increased risk of maternal mortality, chronic cardiovascular diseases in adulthood, and premature death (UNICEF, 2023; Alvarado, 2017), perpetuating the cycle of poverty in historically marginalized rural and indigenous communities.

In the health sector, 32 Volcanes has implemented various initiatives in the Western Highlands of Guatemala to combat food insecurity, which is exacerbated by limited access to arable land, climate change, natural disasters, crop losses, and reliance on agricultural technology packages. These factors contribute to high levels of malnutrition among the rural and indigenous populations, leading to growth stunting in children under five, increased maternal mortality risk, chronic cardiovascular diseases in adulthood, and premature death. These factors perpetuate the cycle of poverty in historically marginalized communities. To address these challenges, 32 Volcanes runs several health projects, including monthly health brigades that visit all the communities they serve. Additionally, the organization operates a social clinic based in Xela City, providing services from Tuesday through Friday. The clinic and health brigades focus on improving nutrition, promoting healthy eating habits, and providing essential medical care. Notable achievements include helping 183 children recover from acute malnutrition or stunted growth, supporting 51 families in producing and consuming nutritious foods like mushrooms, vegetables, and medicinal herbs, and educating 472 women and 62 public health professionals in agro-ecological practices. Furthermore, the organization has installed 27 agro-ecological gardens in communities, schools, and health centers to produce nutritious food for children and adults. 32 Volcanes also supports chronic patients in adopting healthier eating habits, reducing their dependence on medications, and educating women and adolescents on menstrual health management. Their health projects aim to create lasting change by empowering communities with the knowledge and resources needed to improve their overall well-being.

32 Volcanes offers a range of educational programs in the Western Highlands of Guatemala, focusing on both formal and informal education to address key issues related to agroecology, nutrition, health, and cultural identity. These programs aim to restore collective memory regarding traditional production systems, promote food sovereignty, and improve community health. Some key educational initiatives include: Agroecological Training: We provide education on sustainable agricultural practices, emphasizing the importance of agroecology in ensuring food security. This includes teaching communities how to grow nutritious crops like mushrooms, vegetables, and medicinal herbs in agro-ecological gardens. Through these trainings, 472 women and 62 public health professionals have gained valuable knowledge in agro-ecological production. Nutrition and Health Education: Our programs educate communities, particularly women and families, on healthy eating habits to combat malnutrition and chronic diseases. We focus on the production and consumption of diverse, nutritious foods to improve the health of children and adults. Additionally, we support chronic patients in adopting healthier lifestyles to reduce their dependence on medication. Cultural and Ancestral Knowledge: We work to revive traditional knowledge and practices, particularly related to food and agriculture, that are vital for cultural identity and community resilience. This includes restoring the memory of ancestral crops and traditional dishes, which are essential for a diverse and nutritious diet. Menstrual Health Education: We provide education on menstrual health management, empowering 105 women and adolescents with the knowledge and tools they need to manage their health effectively. Overall, 32 Volcanes' educational programs are designed to empower local communities with the skills and knowledge necessary to improve their well-being, promote food sovereignty, and foster resilience against the challenges posed by climate change and other socio-economic issues.

To apply for a scholarship through 32 Volcanes, you must be a young beneficiary from one of the families involved in our health programs or other community initiatives. We offer scholarships to support the education of youth from rural and indigenous communities, helping them complete their studies and pursue higher education. The scholarship program aims to assist beneficiaries with continuing their studies and contributing to their community's future development.

The agroecology projects developed by 32 Volcanes focus on promoting regenerative agricultural practices that are deeply rooted in the cultural and ancestral knowledge of the indigenous communities in the Western Highlands of Guatemala. These projects aim to restore the collective memory of traditional farming systems, enhance food sovereignty, and improve the overall well-being of rural and indigenous populations. Here’s what our agroecology projects consist of: Promotion of Nutritional and Sustainable Farming: We work closely with local communities to encourage the production of diverse, nutritious, and environmentally friendly crops. This includes the cultivation of traditional crops like beans and medicinal herbs, which are being lost due to the dominance of monocultures. By reintroducing these crops, we help restore the biodiversity of the region and provide families with healthier food options. Installation of Agro-ecological Gardens: We have established 27 agro-ecological gardens in communities, educational centers, and health facilities. These gardens are designed to produce a variety of nutritious foods, which are consumed by children, adults, and community members. The gardens serve as a practical demonstration of sustainable agriculture, showing how traditional farming methods can be integrated with modern agro-ecological practices. Training and Education: Education is a key component of our agroecology projects. We offer formal and informal educational programs to teach community members about agro-ecological practices, nutrition, and sustainable farming techniques. Over 472 women and 62 professionals from the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance have been trained in these practices, helping to spread knowledge throughout the region. Food Production and Economic Empowerment: Through our projects, 51 families are now producing and consuming nutritious foods such as oyster mushrooms, vegetables, and medicinal herbs. This not only improves their diets but also provides an additional source of income. The produce from these agro-ecological gardens can be sold, contributing to the economic well-being of the families involved. Biodigesters and Waste Management: We promote the use of biodigesters to convert organic waste into biogas and nutrient-rich fertilizers. This technology supports soil restoration, reduces reliance on petrochemical fertilizers, and provides a sustainable source of energy for cooking, further supporting the health and economic stability of the communities. These projects are all part of our broader mission to build resilient, self-sufficient communities that are capable of sustaining themselves while preserving their cultural heritage and natural environment. By integrating agroecology into the daily lives of these communities, we help them achieve greater autonomy and resilience in the face of challenges like climate change and food insecurity.

At the moment, we do not have any open volunteer opportunities within the association's projects. However, if you're interested in collaborating with us, we encourage you to explore our Service Learning opportunities. These programs allow participants to engage in meaningful work within our communities while gaining valuable hands-on experience. You can find more information about these opportunities on our website, and we’d be happy to discuss how you can get involved through Service Learning.

The association organizes a variety of cultural and artistic activities aimed at preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the communities we work with. These activities include traditional arts and crafts workshops, cultural festivals, and events that highlight local music, dance, and storytelling. We also collaborate with local artists to create murals and other public art projects that reflect the community's history and identity. Through these initiatives, we strive to foster a deep connection to cultural roots and strengthen the sense of community.

You can support the association financially by making a direct deposit to our Guatemalan bank account: Checking Account: 233-009665-8 Account Name: Asociación 32 Volcanes Alternatively, you can make a donation through Todos Juntos. Your contributions help us sustain and expand our programs in education, health, agroecology, and cultural preservation. Every donation, regardless of size, has a significant impact on the communities we serve. We also welcome in-kind donations, so feel free to contact us if you have specific items or resources you’d like to contribute.

The association's projects have had a substantial impact on the communities of western Guatemala. Through our initiatives, we have addressed critical issues such as food insecurity, health, and environmental regeneration. Improved Health and Nutrition: Our agroecology projects have increased local production of nutritious foods, including mushrooms, vegetables, and medicinal herbs. This has helped combat malnutrition and improve overall health, particularly among children and vulnerable populations. We’ve also established community gardens and provided education on healthy eating practices. Enhanced Food Sovereignty: By promoting regenerative agricultural practices and soil restoration, we support communities in reducing their dependency on harmful agricultural inputs and improving their food security. This includes the implementation of biodigesters that generate biogas and nutrient-rich fertilizers, contributing to both environmental regeneration and agricultural productivity. Educational Advancements: We offer formal and informal educational programs that cover topics such as agroecology, nutrition, and health. These programs empower community members with the knowledge and skills needed to improve their quality of life and promote self-sufficiency. Cultural Preservation: Our projects also focus on restoring and preserving cultural heritage, including traditional agricultural practices and local food systems. This helps maintain cultural identity and fosters a sense of community pride. Economic Development: We support local economies by providing training and resources that enable families to produce and sell high-quality agricultural products. This creates economic opportunities and reduces poverty. Overall, our work contributes to the long-term well-being of communities by addressing their immediate needs while fostering regenerative development and resilience.

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