Scroll down to read about: a Youth Corps Intern's first professional experience and about the first graduates of a new CECAP course.
We are excited to share a new alliance with Atitlán Recicla, an initiative of the NGO Amigos del Lago focused on reducing pollution in Lake Atitlán while generating income for local women. The initiative supports 10 women from the villages of Santa Cruz and Tzununá who are participating in a lake-wide initiative to reduce solid waste. They have formed cooperatives to collect and clean recyclable materials, for which they receive payment depending on the material collected. This reduces the amount of trash around the lake, and provides a source of income for the women and their families. A win-win for everyone!
"For us at Amigos, it is important that we get involved in environmental initiatives that also have an impact on the economic sustainability of our population. The alliance with Atitlán Recicla allows us to achieve this goal in a successful way."
Estela Simaj- Director of Economic Programs
Meet Linda, Youth Corps intern in a local tourism company
"Being part of Amigos' Youth Corps has been a great experience. I demonstrated that I am capable of being a leader by serving as president of the group, while also gaining the experience to become a successful professional. Today I am proud of myself and what I have accomplished, although I am hungry for more. This internship is the first step to gain experience and ultimately reach a management position in accounting or even start my own company." - Linda Hortencia Santos Rafael
Innovative tourism jobs for local women
CECAP's new "Tourism Host" course is about to have its first graduates! 16 women and 1 man were trained for seven weeks in community-based tourism, communication techniques, group management, good environmental practices, planning and budgeting. Their upcoming classes and activities for tourists will provide cultural immersion opportunities such as a local sauna experience, making Guatemalan tortillas, traditional weaving classes, Guatemalan chocolate workshops, and so much more!

The objective from the Vocational Training Center CECAP is to identify labor niches and structure courses that train local people to meet this need and thus generate a sustainable source of income.
"For some years now I have been dedicated to giving tours and cultural experiences, however I always felt that I lacked the tools to be a better hostess. This course taught me a lot, and I feel confident that these new tools will allow me to offer better services, better share my culture and generate better income for me and my family."
Elena Rafael Simon
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