NATIK

Natik is an international development organization committed to transforming marginalized communities through economic and educational empowerment. We

accomplish this by providing financial and administrative support to our several partner

organizations in Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala and Chiapas, Mexico.

NATIK PROGRAMS IN CHIAPAS, MEXICO

CHIAPAS, MEXICO

Geography: 5 main regions, Natik works in two:

Highlands surrounding San Cristóbal de las Casas

Palenque, in the Gulf Cost plains

Population:40% Maya indigenous

Economy: Produces coffee, oil, timber, hydroelectricity

CHIAPAS, MEXICO

Economic and Educational InequalityThe wealthiest 10% of the population hold 41% of the wealth, and the poorest 10% hold 2%.

Literacy Rate (2010):Women: 78% (in all of Mexico: 91%)Men: 87% (in all of Mexico: 94%)

Average grad level attended (2010):Chiapas: 6.7Mexico: 6.8

CHIAPAS, MEXICO

Zapatista Uprising (1994-?)Indigenous movement demanding land and cultural recognition

San Andres Accords on Indigenous Rights and Culture signed 1996Agreements were never implemented

Acteal massacre kills 45 people attending church in 1997

Social movement draws in activists, volunteers, NGOs

YIRTRAK PINGÜINOS

An elementary school that practices social equity and serves the children of marginalized families in San Cristobal de las Casas. The mission of Yirtrak Pingüinos is to promote the personal development of each child through comprehensive and integral education with the participation of their families.

VEREDAS

Supports sustainable and culturally sensitive development through education and empowerment

that honors human dignity and self-determination. Veredas has three main areas of

focus . . .

ACCOMPANIED MICRO-LOANS

Provides women in San Cristobal de las Casas and the surrounding area with the small loans they

need to continue or expand businesses that give them an income and enrich their lives. 

CHIAPAS CO-SERVICE

Cultural and language immersion opportunities partnering Mexican university students with

international volunteers.

THE ARCA

An eco-education project in Palenque focusing on permaculture and alternative technology. The project brings together students and farmers,

allowing older students to teach younger students about ecology while researching and implementing

innovations for local agricultural products.

NATIK PROGRAMS IN SANTIAGO ATITLAN, GUATEMALA

SANTIAGO ATITLÁNPopulation: app. 40,000Tzutujil Maya indigenous

Geography: located on Lago AtitlánElevation: 5,105 ft.Surrounded by three volcanoesSeveral surrounding hamlets: Panabaj, Chacaya, Chukmuk

Economy:Plantations nearby grow coffee, other productsMany men work as day laborers, collect firewoodMany women care for their homes, do artisan work

SANTIAGO ATITLÁNEconomic and educational inequalityThe wealthiest 10% of the population hold 42% of the wealth, while the poorest 10% hold 1%.

Literacy rate (2010): Santiago Atitlán: 56%Guatemala: 82%

Education access (Santiago Atitlán, 2009):Pre-primary: 38%Primary: 74%Junior high: 24%Senior high: 5%

SANTIAGO ATITLÁN

Guatemalan Civil War (1960-1996)

Oppressive government dictatorships

Thousands of Mayan civilians killed

Massacre in Santiago Atitlán killed 13Army expelled permanently from the town

THE PUERTA ABIERTA LIBRARYAND LA ESCUELITA

A place for students of all ages to learn and grow. The library and school serve all income levels through a preschool and

kindergarten, homework help, and parental support classes. Additionally Puerta Abierta runs a traveling library program

that brings books and creative projects to rural schools nearby. The library is a vibrant learning center that is truly

unique in the communities it serves.   

“When we first started and read aloud to the children, it was the first time some of them had seen a storybook.

They were mesmerized and just wanted to touch the glossy pages. It was like an exhibit in a museum.” –

Amanda, founder and director of Puerta Abierta

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Provides scholarships to academically motivated junior high and high school students who otherwise would not have the resources to

continue their education. The scholarship program encourages the formation of young

leaders who aim to improve life for themselves, their families, and their

communities.

JUST APPAREL

Connects artisans directly to buyers in the U.S., specializing in customized sweatshirts, t-shirts, polo shirts, and tote bags. Just Apparel artisans are women living in some of the most

economically marginalized communities in Santiago. Unlike the other opportunities they may have to sell their handiwork, Just Apparel

pays the artisans a fair living wage and ensures them a safe working environment,

respect for cultural work patterns, reinvestment in the wider community, and

support for their families.  

LOOKING FORWARD . . .

In the past: 95% of donations went straight to partner programs.

Now: We are ready to expand, strengthen, and replicate our programs

Employing two professional fellows at a stipend of $350/mo. each

We need your help!

THANK YOU!

ANY QUESTIONS?