Qachuu Aloom Mother Earth Association
Rabinal, Guatemala
Qachuu Aloom and the Garden’s Edge both came about from the same effort rooted in a rural Guatemalan village some 13 years ago. We brought the story of our experience in Guatemala back to the desert Southwest to share our experience and build support for our work through the Garden’s Edge.
WITH FINANCIAL AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT FROM THE GARDEN’S EDGE, THE MAYA FAMILIES WE MET CREATED QACHUU ALOOM MOTHER EARTH ASSOCIATION, WHICH NOW OVERSEES THE SEED SAVING, MICROLENDING, NUTRITION, AND OTHER PROGRAMS IN GUATEMALA.
Qachuu Aloom’s board of directors and staff in Guatemala are all local Maya farmers whose dream is to preserve the cultural and agricultural traditions of their ancestors. They work in 24 villages, with a visitor center in Rabinal. The majority of members are women working to rebuild their lives after decades of civil war and genocide against the Mayan people. Participation in Qachuu Aloom gives them the confidence to actively participate in the development process and become strong leaders and role models in their communities.
The Garden’s Edge maintains important ties to Qachuu Aloom, providing guidance and resources to support its programs.