Uniendo Mundos Aqui
UMA is a grassroots, heart-based collective that hosts enrichment programs for the Maya & international children around 📍 Lago Atitlán, Guatemala
〰️ Preservation of ancestral traditions
〰️ Intercultural harmony
〰️ Decolonization
〰️ Buidling Pride in Maya heritage
〰️ Combating violence, bullying, racism
〰️ Female Empowerment
〰️ Connecting to Nature
〰️ Sustainability & Eco-Literacy
〰️ Connecting to Self (Mindfulness)
〰️ Language Strengthening / Exchange
As many of those already know, it is a privilege to be living in this beautiful region of the world as a foreigner, and it is vital to be integrating on these lands (learning the history, language, preserving the heritage, practicing right relations with the local and Mayan people, and so much more). It is essential to introduce the customs and ways of thinking that come from different cultures in a way that does not colonize the original ways, but rather that this community works towards becoming a pocket of the world where there is intercultural harmony, deep understanding, and symbiotic support.
I recognize that our precious Earth and ancient and Indigenous traditions are under grave threat, mostly due to unconscious destructive behaviors of human beings - and that one way we can shift this sad reality is through raising our children to feel connected to Nature and themselves (as individuals, and as a collective). Every single person plays a part in this global shift in consciousness, and I feel that one of the big solutions to this is to bring together the future generations (the children), to heal from these last years of disruption to humanity, and to grow together as a community in joy.
In our increasingly changing world faced with devastating effects of climate change, I believe that Indigenous knowledge and wisdom is a fundamental key for the survival of our Earth as well as humanity. Most Indigenous communities have a deep understanding of how to live in harmony with Nature and sustain themselves without disrupting the natural order of the ecosystems around them. “Comprising less than 5% of the world’s population, indigenous people protect 80% of global biodiversity. [1]
Additionally, in Guatemala, Indigenous people are amongst the most vulnerable because they have been constantly displaced from their ancestral lands due to a long history of colonialism and genocide. Guatemala is made up of 14.9 million people, of which 6.5 million (43.75% of the entire country [2]) are Indigenous. Data from recent years show that the poverty rate among Indigenous people was at 79%. [3]These serious systemic issues have caused so much loss. Loss of culture, loss of psychological strength (PTSD is a very raw reality here, with very little mental health resources available). Being here and experiencing this culture firsthand, and working at the ground level with many groups of local children, I feel extremely ambitious to continue building relationships with these demographics in this part of the world that deserve to have their heritage and their unique sensitivities embraced through Enrichment Educational opportunities.
The foundation of the Maya culture is based around agriculture, connection to the land and ancestors, consistent practice of traditional arts of handmade crafts such as embroidering and weaving, which all require a slower, more meditative state of mind to enjoy the process and continue carrying out. With increased use of technology, and with the psycho-social impact of the grim history, the flame of this absolutely beautiful culture and way of life could very quickly and easily be distinguished completely if there are not more programs such as the one I am about to propose, are not implemented soon. It is very evident that the culture and its neverending array of colorful handmade textiles, quaint villages, lush nature, touches the hearts of international tourists who visit, but there is not enough commitment to help long-term, even if the inspiration to do so arises in the transient wave of people touched by Maya culture. There is a beautiful window of opportunity to nourish the children here and to help preserve what could be a prime example for the rest of the world in terms of what restoring harmony in a very “in need” community looks like.
There are not many enrichment programs being offered in this region as it is, but even when they are, they are unaffordable and physically inaccessible (transportation and safety reasons). There are little pockets of communities around Lake Atitlan, the various small villages, that do not have the opportunity to experience heart and mind-expanding experiences and for cultural pride to be instilled. The growing trend of social media influencing young people's idea of what is beautiful, and the idea of immigrating to other countries to make more money is far too common. Many families will make it their mission to chase the idea that getting a work placement in the United States will result in a “higher quality of life”, leaving their family and culture behind.
Mission Statement: Empowering children in the Lake Atitlan region of Guatemala to embrace their intuitive, empathetic, and sensitive qualities, while nurturing Maya heritage and connection to nature through an Enrichment Program focused on mindfulness, arts, cultural exchange, and eco-literacy.
Vision Statement: Our vision is to create a sustainable and transformative Enrichment Program that fosters a generation of conscious, culturally proud, and environmentally aware children. By bridging the wisdom of Maya heritage with holistic education and ecological understanding, we aim to build a harmonious and resilient community, serving as a model for empowering vulnerable populations worldwide.
2023 SUPPORT
FOUNDING FLOWER
10 in the sacred calendar (Chol Q’ij) represents community and societal laws. Imagine two hands (five and five), coming together in a harmonious agreement for the betterment of the whole that is being considered.
Ten sponsors are being called to action, to be a part of the founding flower of UMA.
The following organizations have committed to a minimum of $30 a month to help support the efforts of UMA…
The following organizations have offered to open their space for sessions to be held…
Thank you to IXTARA for sponsoring UMA through this project:
Are you inspired to help grow the incredible potential of the children in our community?
Make a meaningful impact on their lives with a simple act of kindness by purchasing one of these bags.
When you buy one, you're not just getting a bag; you're also giving a local child a twin bag, art supplies, and a set of comfy clothes to brighten their day.
Your purchase goes even further by supporting the vital enrichment programs organized by UMA, which strives to empower these young children through art, mindfulness, friendship building, literacy, and more.
Together we can nurture a more harmonious community. ❀
Email brittnihagen@gmail.com if you would like to purchase a bag(s).
Aya Araki, Grace DeGeorge, Phoebe Priel, Sunny Dayna, Stefan Evans, Tiffany Kelly, Jose Lopez, Noemi Biel, Melissa Hardy-Trevenna, Chloe Ford, Andres Castano, Tom Hardy, Annie Persons, Anonymous, Anna Martinez, Christina Beason, Madeline Wootten, Sarah Smits, Amber Atkey, Lily Dueren, Kyle Kesterson, Sophia Trevenna, Shawna Laychuk.