My Nonprofit Reviews

I recently had the opportunity to accompany Wuqu'Kawoq/Maya Health Alliance on a Vision Tour of their maternal and child health activities. I am a retired professor in intercultural interaction and effectiveness. Visiting and talking directly with Mayan families who rely on Wuqu for their children's health and survival was one of the most profound and inspirational experiences I have had. These families often have no other resource, as the government provides little to no assistance. As one grateful parent said in describing the Wuqu help they have received to care for their daughter, "They never say no." Wuqu always finds a way to get what's needed in a sensitive, culturally and medically effective manner. One of their projects is to "save brains" by preventing or correcting early childhood malnutrition.

Over the years I have worked with and studied international organizations and NGO's in Guatemala and Mexico. The Maya Health Alliance leadership understand the persistent challenges of international development organizations which often have only a short-term impact on the communities they serve. They have used this understanding to create an organization based on using and adapting modern medical techniques, cultural and language effectiveness, shared research, and coordination with other non-profit organizations, as well as with other Maya community members and professionals. A key component in delivering the medical and social assistance they give families is to hire and train a staff that is over 90% Maya, and more than 83% women. The medical staff, such as nurses and doctors, are also primarily Guatemalan Maya. They understand the culture and speak the languages of the people they serve.

A unique feature of the Maya Health Alliance is the leadership's strong belief in building an organization that can provide quality, evidence-based care to an extremely marginalized population, through hiring and training indigenous staff that is committed to the Wuqu'Kawoq mission. The leadership goal is to create a transparent, cooperative, culturally effective organization that can adapt and recreate itself to meet future needs.

I am excited and hopeful that this type of international assistance, development and delivery of care will be the future for other organizations. The gratitude and health of the families is the best testament. Thank you, Maya Health Alliance, for the opportunity to see what you are accomplishing, and restoring my faith that we can make a difference by saving lives and families.