My Nonprofit Reviews
Jillian M.
Review for Wuqu' Kawoq | Maya Health Alliance, Barrio Patacabaj, Tecpán, , Guatemala
I have been affiliated with Wuqu' Kawoq for the past two years and have participated in two language schools, nutrition research in two small communities, and pilot health research on Lake Atitlán. Based on my observations and experiences, I believe the NGO to be exceptional for four main reasons. First, they take the time to learn about the places where they work by talking to community leaders and residents. Second, they collaborate with community members to develop sustainable projects that will not deteriorate once US staff leaves the country. Rather, Wuqu' Kawoq helps the communities to run these programs themselves. Third, they actively seek to collaborate with other NGOs and government entities in Guatemala. Rather than offer services already available, Wuqu' Kawoq finds its role and plays that role extremely well, for instance, in providing accompaniment to extremely ill patients that other NGOs meet in medical missions throughout the highlands. Finally, and most importantly, they provide all services in the languages spoken by these communities so that patients may communicate directly with their healthcare providers.
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If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I wish that Wuqu' Kawoq had the capacity to help more communities, but it seems they are struggling to balance the breadth of their influence with how deeply they may help each community individually.
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Some
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Quite well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
Review for Wuqu' Kawoq | Maya Health Alliance, Barrio Patacabaj, Tecpán, , Guatemala
Wuqu' Kawoq is a non-profit organization that works to strengthen the health and language of Kaqchikel Maya communities in Guatemala. They are dedicated to serving the people of these communities in their native language, Kaqchikel, and to address public health problems identified by community members. They have trained indigenous midwives, started child nutrition programs, installed water purification systems, and writing diabetes education materials in Kaqchikel. This organization has helped so many people and, with more funds, has the potential to change many more lives.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have visited a community devastated by Hurricane Agatha of May 2010 and talked to a community leader there. She told me that while many children and women suffered from malnutrition due to resulting food shortages, that she could already see improvements from the new nutrition program. The joy in her voice was enough to convince me that this program is genuinely dedicated to serving the community.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
If anything, I would provide them with more funds. There are so many projects that could be done that are difficult to write grants for in these hard times. With more funds, Wuqu' Kawoq could initiate some of the many projects that they hope to complete.
