PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
El Centro de Capacitación, or Project “Tzolok,” as it is now being referred (“learning” in Q’eqchi’) entails the
construction of a secondary school and community center intended to be used as a space for training and education
of the population of the autonomous Tucuru municipality. The execution of the project is occurring on the former
hacienda of the cooperatively owned coffee plantation of Asociacion Agricola Santa Teresa. This hacienda was
formally an exclusively occupied administrative building, to the extent that access to the facility by the indigenous
people was barred by armed guards. By subverting the use of the former hacienda for education, the previous
symbol of exclusivity will transform into one of inclusiveness. The main structure of the former hacienda has been
demolished, due to cost and safety concerns. Despite this necessity, the demolition occured with zero waste--rubble
used on roads, roof panels on local houses, and wood used as architectural salvage. The existing slab is being
inherited as the building site. Further the new facility will at every opportunity attempt to harmonize itself with the
place and the people, taking cues from local and common sense sustainable building practices.
The school itself would conceivably open doors and development opportunities for large underprivileged
communities in the department of Alta Verapaz, Guatemala. The rural areas of this department are comprised of
around 92% Q’eqchi’ Mayan descendents. Presently, most children over the age of 12 are expected to work in the
coffee fields six days a week as a means of supplementing the family income. With the realization of a secondary
school, children and adults will have the opportunity to enhance their futures while simultaneously raising the
cognitive value of the cooperative and surrounding communities. The availability of a higher education is a pivotal
turning point in an adolescent’s life. If these communities want to compete in a globalizing world, an educational
foundation is imperative. In addition, the training center would empower numerous adults pursuing various career
paths.
For more information on how you can help please contact:
Rene Alfredo Cun 5060.1665 fincasantateresa@yahoo.es or
Charlie Hale crhale@mail.utexas.edu
