Latin America

My Community Results - Case Study

Guatemala – K’iche Youth Association (Asociación Juventud K’iche)

Issue Areas :

• Environmental Conservation
• Water/Soil Contamination

Radio Show:

“Youth Voices” (Voces de la Juventud) featuring the drama “Heart of the Sky and Heart of the Earth” Ukux Kaj Ukux Ulew (Corazón del cielo y Corazón de la tierra )

Program Synopsis :

Founded as an independent organization in 2005, Asociación Juventud K’iche works to “bring integral development to youth, seeking the betterment of the conditions and quality of life” in the Maya K’iche region in Guatemala .

Originally organized by the UK NGO Health Unlimited, Juventud K’iche is able to take advantage of the wealth of Health Unlimited infrastructure and resources in Guatemala . Led by a dynamic team of youth, including their 21 year old Executive Director Edwin Suc Rodas, Juventud K’iche broadcasts their compelling programming in the Maya K’iche language. The group produces both TV and radio programs that further their goals of improving reproductive health and environmental conservation. Their youth radio program “Heart of the Sky and Heart of the Earth,” is produced by and for indigenous populations and deals with issues such as inorganic solid waste pollution, preservation of water sources, and air pollution.

Listener Testimonial :

Juana, 15, is a student of Mayan K’iche origin who comes from a rural family (text translated from Spanish):

“Listening to the radio drama made me realize that there was a lot of trash in my classroom, so I got up from my desk and suggested to my classmates that we pick it up. I wasn’t taken seriously, and they all started to laugh. I didn’t lose my determination. Like a good student I kept insisting and one day I reminded them of my proposition to clean the classroom. Our classmates decided to buy a trashcan. I had to do this in my house as well, not to have a breeding ground for flies that would make us all sick. These radio dramas have served to protect us from diseases and to make us take care of our environment so that we can breathe clean and uncontaminated air. What I like most about this is that at both my house and at school we have better hygiene and no one makes fun of me now. Let me tell you. They now respect hygiene in my classroom and in my home.”

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