Batzchocola
“Facing Water Sources”
Nebaj, Quiche, Guatemala
Size: 220 acres
Population: 52 families
Founded: 2004
The family of Don Domingo Cruz came to live in this place about two hundred years ago. After dividing the land among his brothers, it was named Batzchocola, meaning “facing water sources” because of the many nearby waterfalls. During the civil war, Batzchocola was ravished; homes and crops were burned, animals were stolen and several family members were killed, leading many to abandon the community and flee to live in Amacchel near Chajul (about 10 hours away by foot). When the war ended, everything changed; the people of Batzchocola can now live in freedom and peace.
Batzchocola spent two years negotiating with the Guatemalan government Land Fund to help them purchase farm land near their homes. In December 2003, they finally received title to their land. While selling coffee together with neighboring Agros village Trapichitos, Batzchocola was introduced to Agros staff, and soon after asked for help learning better agricultural techniques and strengthening the development of their economy.
Projects planned for 2010 – 2011 fiscal year include:
- Providing schools with necessary educational materials
- Training/encouraging youth to pursue enterprises of their own
- Leadership Development
- Educating families on the importance of environmental stewardship
- Encouraging gender equality among men and women in the community
- Seminars teaching mothers the importance of early childhood development
