The headmistress of the school is Doña Camila Mendoza. She has a degree as secondary school teacher as well as a Master in Psychology and Social Counseling. She started the school in 1996 with just one class. Soon, more classes were needed and hence also more funding. When a Belgian group of friends visited the school in 2003, they decided to support the school financially. In 2007, the non-profit association Ajpopoli vzw was founded. Courses are given by qualified and highly motivated Maya teachers. ‘Centro Educativo Ajpopoli’ Ak’wala’ offers education to 300 pupils from third kindergarten up to third secondary grade. Girls make up half of the population. Ajpopoli vzw entirely finances the 24 teachers and staff members (70% women). Fundraising is mainly done through foster parenting, activities and gifts. All donations go entirely to the school. Twice a year a board member visits the school, at her own expense, to audit the accounts and to evaluate the proper management of the school. She also visits the pupils and their families at home. Furthermore, the school’s management and the board members of Ajpopoli are in frequent contact throughout the year.

High quality schooling and education are the only way out of poverty and oppression for the underprivileged Maya children. Schooling is the opportunity for a better future. Many students grow up in a single-parent family, with a low literacy rate. Thanks to a good basic education in our school, the Maya children develop a solid base, which will enable them to pursue higher studies and will boost their chances in finding a job at a later stage. Furthermore, equal treatment of girls and boys is essential in the Ajpopoli education plan. Unfortunately, that equality is not obvious in present-day Guatemala. Therefore, the curriculum includes sex education for both boys and girls from the fifth grade on. In secondary school, the focus will be on family planning through correct information on e.g. contraception, incest and partner violence. By making these topics negotiable, we aim to raise awareness and aspire more individual coaching.

Courses are given by Maya teachers with a strong focus on gender equality. 

The school also gives medical and social support when the children are in need. For example:

before the start of the lessons, the extreme poor children get an ‘atol’, a corn-based nutritious hot drink.

Guatemala is one of the poorest and most violent countries in Latin America. It is a beautiful country, but still has to overcome a lot of political, economic and social issues. The country and its population are slowly recovering from a thirty-year civil war, which ended in 1996. The Mayans in particular live in difficult and poor conditions. 

Guatemala

Guatemala is one of the poorest and most violent countries in Latin America. It is a beautiful country, but still has to overcome a lot of political, economic and social issues. The country and its population are slowly recovering from a thirty-year civil war, which ended in 1996. The Mayans in particular live in difficult and poor conditions. 

Foster parents

Supporting Ajpopoli as foster parents is part of our ‘family’ social responsibility. Our children have two other sisters in Guatemala, who they get to know through correspondence. Through Ajpopoli aid we give our foster children a chance for good education and a better future. For every one of us, Ajpopoli makes a difference in the world we live in.

My dad died when I was 4 years old and we lived off what my mom earned from baking and selling tortillas. I had the opportunity to go to school at the Colegio Ajpopoli and I got a godparent. After the 3rd secondary I wanted to continue as an auxiliary nurse, a study of one year. I wasn't even 18 yet so I worked for a year to help my mom and save some money for my studies. To my great joy, the school Ajpopoli and my godparent were willing to support me financially for another year. The following year, I got a job at the state hospital of pediatric oncology. With my income I was able to continue to study and after three years I obtained the diploma of professional nurse and I got the position of coordinator of the department. Now I am studying for a master degree at the university and I hope to achieve it as soon as possible. Then I can become a head nurse. My work is very important to me and a blessing to my mom. I thank all the people who made this possible for me. They will be part of my life forever.

A former student