October 11 has been declared by the United Nations as the International Day of the Girl Child, and 2016’s theme is “Girls’ Progress = Goals’ Progress“.

At Izabal Agroforest we seek to support the education of students -particularly girls-through our internship program.  Since February 2016, we have hosted indigenous students from Qeq’chi’, K’iche and Kakchiquel communities in Guatemala.  In an alliance with Ak’Tenamit‘s vocational boarding school, and the support of an important multinational cosmetics company, we’ve hosted several groups of students on our “Hacienda Rio Dulce” farm project where students are housed and focus their practicum.

The girls learn about forest stewardship, nursery management, tree silviculture, biodiversity and cacao’s all important post-harvest process; including fermentation and drying.  Our goal is to empower these young ladies to become advocates for sustainable environmental development.

For more information on our program, or to get involved please email us here.

By Marta Estrada, IAF forester (email me here)