Designed to train indigenous Mayan health promoters


Collaborating with two small German NGOs, Aldea Laura and Mirador, this pilot program was designed to train indigenous Mayan women to learn the medical skills necessary to manage a rural health center in Chocruz, Momostenango, a community in the highlands of Guatemala with no access to public health services. We started this program with two local women, Patricia and Olga, who had recently graduated as elementary school teachers in a school in their community, Chocruz. They then trained with AMA for ten months, living at the center and accompanying staff during consults and births, and learned how to provide basic health services to people in their community with emphasis on midwifery skills. 

Starting in June 2011, a needs assessment was implemented by a graduate student in Public Health, Simon Fraser from the University of British Columbia, Canada. Under supervision, he investigated the health needs of the community and his findings determined how Patricia and Olga put their training into practice. Since 2012, Paty and Olga are working independently in their community in Chocruz. They have the support of local doctors and continue to communicate with us for advice and ongoing training. 

2022 - Mirador is still running led by female GP and Paty, we provide them with low cost birthcontrol and continue to support through consultation.