A Mayan Q'eqchi' Community NGO
The Q'eqchi' Association Xch'ool Ixim (which means "heart of corn"), is a cultural, social, and educational community organization which takes its name from the sacred corn, a fundamental element of Mayan culture that is of great importance in Q'eqchi' family life. The organization is named "heart of corn" because its philosophy is based on the knowledge of Mayan Q'eqchi' culture.
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Our Mission and Vision
Our mission
We promote and generate the integration, promotion, and development of the Maya communities in the region, by strengthening the educational, productive, participatory, and advocacy processes based on the principles, values and knowledge of the culture.
Our vision
To be the Q’eqchi’ organization leading the autonomy and integral development of the Maya peoples in the region, rooted in ourr identity and dignity.
We Are Non Profit Organization
We are proactive in fighting to return vitality and strength to Q’eqchi Maya culture - not only to our language, traditional dress, customs and traditions, but also to our traditional knowledge, authorities, cultural values and principles, to ensure our development is rooted in Q’eqchi Maya culture. We also work to promote knowledge and understanding of our true history, our rights, identity and dignity; and to raise awareness of our social, cultural and economic circumstances.
We were founded by indigenous community leaders from rural areas, who continue to lead the Association. Our managerial structure has our General Assembly at its head, a Board of Directors to manage activities, and an Executive Director in charge of coordinating and carrying out projects.
The association was founded 7 June 1993, in San José Peña Blanca, in the Cobán district, Alta Verapaz. A diverse group of communities from the area united to start the organisation in the aftermath of our country’s 36-year internal armed conflict.