A Day in the Life: Indigenous education in Guatemala
We can all agree that 2024 was not an easy year for many of us. In a time of heightened conflict, it can feel overwhelming and like nothing we do matters. But here at IsraAID we know that our work has made 2024 into a year of hope for so many people affected by crisis – one day at a time. This month, join us as we take an intimate look at the impact that can be made in a single day.
In the rural mountains of Guatemala, in the region of Alta Verapaz, IsraAID is working to support underserved indigenous communities. Fabiola Pacay works as an Education Coordinator with IsraAID Guatemala. Born and raised in Alta Verapaz, her work is dedicated to making sure children in her community have access to quality education – in the local indigenous language – ensuring a brighter future.
“My day starts early – very early – when the fog still blankets the mountains, and the first rays of daylight begin to filter through the trees. I live in Cobán, a region known for its natural beauty and the resilience of its people, but also for the challenges we face,” she says. Fabiola gets up at 5:30 A.M. to prepare for her day, have a hot cup of coffee and have a simple breakfast of toast. “Sometimes, when the weather is particularly cold, it’s hard to get out of bed, but the work ahead always gives me the motivation I need,” she adds.
She makes sure that her backpack is filled with materials for the education workshops, brochures, manuals, and a notebook to jot down her observations throughout the day. While official education is mostly conducted in Spanish, all of IsraAID’s supplemental materials are in the local language, Fabiola explains. “My community mostly speaks Q’eqchi’, and I understand the importance of using our language in some of the workshops and talks. We know that if we don’t speak their language, we won’t truly connect with them. Although it can often be a challenge, we’ve adapted materials and workshop dynamics to ensure that information about education, psychosocial support, and resilience is communicated effectively.”
Fabiola takes public transport to the IsraAID office in Coban – the largest city in Alta Verapaz. There she meets with IsraAID volunteers. “They are the heart of what we do, without their support, it would be impossible to reach as far as we do, especially in the areas we serve,” she says. “Today, we are organizing a workshop to train more local volunteers on topics related to continuous education, and early warning signs that children might drop out of school.”
After the workshop, the team breaks for lunch, eating together at the office. Fabiola’s favorite is a local specialty called Tia – a beef dish with a special sauce – or Kak’ik – a traditional turkey soup. Then Fabiola and the volunteers get into the IsraAID pick-up truck and start the difficult journey up to the mountain villages.
“The road is tricky,” she says. “The highway is slippery from the chipichipi” – the Q’eqchi’ word for the persistent rain that falls for several hours in the early afternoon most days – “and that can make transportation more difficult.” Navigating the way up to the local school is often the most difficult part of the day. The terrain is uneven and rocky, and just getting into the village is difficult for most vehicles, but when they arrive it’s all worth it.
“What strikes me the most is how the community responds to our efforts,” Fabiola says. Local parents, volunteers, and educators gather for the workshop at the school. “People here, often without access to basic resources are willing to help us, to work with us to improve their situation. We see the mothers and fathers are deeply engaged, paying attention to every word. It’s a reminder that we are making a difference. Sometimes it takes time to see the changes, but when people begin to apply what they’ve learned, it’s like watching a seed grow.”
When she arrives home, Fabiola has dinner with her parents, whom she lives with, and shares about all the day’s activities. She says she arrives home tired but satisfied. “Sometimes, after a long and difficult day, I ask myself why I choose to do this work. And the answer is always the same: because I know my work is helping to build a safer future for the children and families of these lands. Each workshop, each action, each word we share is one more step toward a better tomorrow.”
Fabiola is one of hundreds of IsraAID team members around the world making an impact in over 10 countries. The work she does every day provides increasing autonomy and sustainability for indigenous communities in Guatemala. By supporting IsraAID, their impact is your impact. We can all have a positive impact, even in the most challenging times. One day at a time.
