OUR WORK
Mayanza works to improve the health of the communities of Guatemala through health education, empowerment and economic sustainability.
Promoting Wellness Among Maya Women: Healthy Mothers Program
In 2019, Mayanza launched a pilot program to support long-term health through education on lifestyle modifications aimed at preventing diabetes and other chronic diseases. Since then, the program has grown into an ongoing initiative focused on empowering women with the knowledge and skills needed to make sustainable, healthy choices for themselves and their families.
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Each week, participants attend interactive sessions covering a wide range of topics, including disease prevention, nutrition, exercise, sexual and reproductive health, goal setting, and stress management. These sessions are rooted in cultural respect and community needs, making the content both practical and relevant.
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The program also brings in local experts to lead workshops on traditional and modern approaches to wellness. Topics include the use of medicinal plants, reproductive health, healthy cooking practices, and household health strategies such as the use of water filters and low-emission stoves. This integration of local knowledge reinforces cultural identity while promoting holistic health.
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In addition to educational components, participants engage in weekly physical activity sessions with an exercise trainer. These sessions help women build confidence and skills to incorporate movement into their daily routines in ways that are enjoyable and sustainable. Together, these elements create a supportive, community-centered environment that encourages long-lasting lifestyle changes and improved well-being for Maya women and their communities.
Culturally Rooted: School Health Education Program
Health education is a cornerstone of our organization, built on a deep understanding of the needs of the school communities we serve. In Santiago, we've partnered with local teachers who speak Tz'utujil to deliver culturally competent, weekly health education sessions in six primary schools.
These dynamic and interactive lessons cover essential topics such as nutrition, hygiene, exercise, chronic disease prevention, and respectful interpersonal relationships. By teaching in the children’s native language and drawing on culturally relevant examples, our educators foster trust, understanding, and engagement in the classroom.
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The goal is to equip every child with the knowledge, confidence, and practical tools to lead healthy, empowered lives—both now and in the future.
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Get to know the incredible Tz'utujil-speaking teachers who are making a difference in their own communities every week. Click here to meet them and learn more about their work.
Family Health Fairs: Community Health Outreach Program
Launched in February 2020, our Family Health Fairs are a vibrant extension of our commitment to community-based health education. Hosted at the schools we serve, these events are designed to engage not just students, but entire families in learning practical ways to improve their overall health and well-being.
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Each fair offers interactive education and take-home materials on key topics such as oral health, anemia prevention and treatment, perinatal care, and lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of chronic disease. By focusing on the family unit, we aim to create a ripple effect of knowledge and healthy habits that extend far beyond the classroom.
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We are proud to collaborate with local organizations in the Santiago area to expand the reach and impact of these health fairs, strengthening community ties and creating lasting change—one family at a time.
Creating Healthy Futures - Peer Health Leadership Program
Our Creating Healthy Futures program empowers 5th and 6th grade students in Santiago Atitlán to take charge of their health and become leaders in their community. In response to rising rates of obesity and chronic illness, this culturally relevant program provides education on nutrition, hygiene, mental health, and disease prevention—delivered in a way that reflects the values and needs of the Indigenous Maya community.
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The program emphasizes peer leadership, with 6th graders mentoring younger students to build communication skills and strengthen their role as health advocates. Students also take part in community health fairs to promote healthy behaviors and reduce stigma around sensitive health topics.
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Launching as a pilot in 2026 and expanding to five schools by 2027, the program will reach over 60 students annually. It is built for long-term impact, integrating local educators, community input, and ongoing evaluation to ensure sustainability and success. By building leadership skills and promoting lifelong healthy habits, Creating Healthy Futures is an investment in the well-being of both youth and the wider community.