We are a Non-Profit Organization

Xch’ool Ixim is 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.

What We Do

Asociación Q’eqchi’ Xch’ool Ixim (Heart of Corn) works to expand equitable access to education while strengthening Q’eqchi’ Maya language and cultural identity in Guatemala. Rooted in community leadership and Indigenous knowledge, we provide culturally grounded educational and economic empowerment programs for children, youth, and families. By integrating bilingual education, cultural revitalization, and food and livelihood initiatives, we foster opportunity without sacrificing identity. Our work advances a thriving, economically secure Q’eqchi’ Maya people empowered through education.

Theory of Change

If Q’eqchi’ Maya children and families have equitable access to culturally grounded, bilingual education rooted in their language and identity,

and if that education is integrated with opportunities for economic empowerment and food security,

then they will build the skills, confidence, and agency necessary to improve their livelihoods, strengthen their communities, and preserve their cultural heritage,

leading to a thriving, economically secure Q’eqchi’ Maya people grounded in cultural identity and empowered through education.

Our Educational Programs and Areas of Focus

Our Program Areas include:

• Primary education
• Secondary education
• Maya Cultural Education
• Information Technology Vocational Training
• Agricultural Vocational Training and Food Production
• Curriculum Development: Education with Identity
• Professional Development

Our Program Areas support our objectives to:

• Develop bilingual and intercultural education programs
• Integrate Maya cultural education into the curriculum
• Contextualize the curriculum for primary and secondary education
• Incorporate computer technology and vocational training into the curriculum
• Incorporate agricultural vocational training and food production into the curriculum
• Support teacher professional development in bilingual and intercultural education