On January 16, 2026, we celebrated the official inauguration of classes at Instituto Maya Comunitario K’amolb’e (IMACK), a community-based secondary school owned by Asociación Q’eqchi’ Xch’ool Ixim (Heart of Corn).

This meaningful event  reflected the strong governance and cultural foundation of our work. Attendees  included: 7 members of the Board of Directors, 89 parents, 10 teachers, 13  elders and Spiritual Guides, and the General Assembly of the Xch’ool Ixim Association

• The presence of elders and Spiritual Guides reaffirmed our commitment to education rooted in Maya Q’eqchi’ values, identity, and ancestral wisdom.

In 2025 our student enrollment was 48 students. In 2026, our student enrollment includes 89 students from 27 remote rural villages.

• Student enrollment increased 85%

In 2025, 14 girls and 34 boys were enrolled. In 2026, 38 girls and 52 boys are enrolled.

• Female enrollment increased 171%
• Male enrollment increased 53%

This growth demonstrates:

• Increased community trust in culturally relevant education
• Greater demand for access to secondary education in rural areas
• The impact of donor investment in expanding opportunities for indigenous youth

Behind each number is a young person who now has access to education, leadership development, and hope for the future.

This training focused on:

• Effective use of digital tools in the classroom
• Strengthening student engagement
• Improving access to educational resources

For 2026, we have planned:

• Ongoing virtual training sessions
• Two intensive in-person professional development workshops

This continued investment ensures that our students receive innovative, relevant, and high-quality instruction despite living in remote communities.

Through your support, Xch’ool Ixim continues to provide students with:

• Access to a computer laboratory
• Reliable Internet connectivity

For many of our students, this is their first opportunity to:

• Use a computer
• Conduct online research
• Develop digital literacy skills

In rural Alta Verapaz, this access is not common. It is a powerful equalizer that expands academic and professional opportunities for Maya youth.

Because of your generosity through GlobalGiving:

• Enrollment nearly doubled in one year
• More girls and boys from remote villages now access secondary education
• Teachers are receiving continuous professional development
• Students have access to technology and Internet

You are not only funding education — you are helping preserve culture, strengthen identity, and creating future indigenous leaders.

In 2026, our priorities include:

• Sustaining increased enrollment
• Expanding scholarship support
• Continuing teacher professional development
• Strengthening technology integration
• Deepening culturally grounded education

We are deeply grateful for your partnership. Together, we are building a future where Maya Q’eqchi’ youth are educated, empowered, and proud of who they are.

We thank you for believing in our vision and want to let you know about an upcoming:

WHO: GlobalGiving is launching the “Little x Little” four-day crowdfunding campaign.

WHEN: from March 17 – March 20

WHY: It is designed to help cultivate and energize a robust network of small-dollar donors.

WHAT: All eligible donations up to $50 per unique donor will be matched at 50%, while matching remains. 

Please consider donating during the Little x Little Campaign.

A small donation means a lot to us. And… a small donation goes a long way!

Your $10.00 gift will become $15.00

Your $36.00 gift will become $54.00

Your $50.00 gift will become $75.00

Thank you for your support and for believing in our mission.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Ava Berinstein, PhD

Director of Development

Q’eqchi’ Association Xch’ool Ixim

www.xchoolixim.org

Aberinstein@Xchoolixim.org