Creating A Culture of Independence in Guatemala

Creating A Culture of Independence in Guatemala

In 1954 a military dictatorship overthrew the democratically elected progressive government in Guatemala.  The country has had a long history of repression of reformist movements and a population living under an authoritarian and clientelistic system.  An estimated 200,000, mostly indigenous, died in the civil war that ended in 1996.  Because of this history, the competition for resources is high and as a result, this can have negative effects on reciprocity and building cohesive groups.

Guatemalan economic, political, and cultural change has for many years been affected by the actions of powerful states and firms in the developed countries, especially the United States.  The United States’ economic exploitation and political domination has helped generate the current social and political structure of Guatemala; that which is of a corrupt Guatemalan government and a 36 year civil war. These have, in part, resulted in a mentality of dependence in Guatemalan culture.  People are not encouraged to provide for themselves but instead rely on programs such as “BLAH” , which can serve as a bandage but does not seem to offer any real solutions.

In the years during the war, communities lost their land, possessions and legal rights.  Systemic disenfranchisement and oppression are unfortunately still parts of Guatemalan society.  When extreme disadvantagement is experienced, expectations, along with self-esteem, will often be diminished.  One example of this can be seen in the faces of Guatemalan women who are often rendered incapable of performing skilled labor or engaging in social interactions.  Guatemala has

sufficient resources, capital, and motivation to provide for itself what is currently provided in the form of handouts. For example, a system in which welfare is valued over infrastructure creates a situation in which unforeseen events, such as the recent mudslides, can completely devastate entire families’ incomes, and thusly entire families altogether. As such, dysfunctional societies are not only inefficient but are a waste of human potential.

Most internal and external institutions help by giving hand-outs such as money, food, etc.  This kind of aid relieves the immediate suffering, serves short-term goals exclusively, and is usually provided by groups that play very direct roles.  This non-participatory approach contributes to a mentality of dependence on others to provide, perpetuates top-down values, and harms attempts at structural change.  AMA principles endorse the prevention or elimination of poverty by empowering people to help themselves and each other.

Providing aid without any change in governmental, societal, or cultural structures is a disservice to everyone.  Creating cultures of dependence is not only unhealthy and unfair to the recipients, but also unsustainable.  Once the funds stop flowing, progress deteriorates.  However, providing opportunities for self improvement and giving encouragement has proven to be a successful model for permanent social transformations.

AMA approaches sustainability through five avenues: Women’s Circles, Pixan (handicrafts), MAP (Mayan Arts Program), Health, and Stove Building/Reforestation.  Those at AMA had a wonderfully successful summer! With 215 volunteers we built 156 stoves, planted 1560 trees, and had several influential workshops/trainings.  

(

Isabel and Joan making place mats)

AMA includes a wide range of different ages, levels of skill, education, and economic statuses.  In August, AMA had a workshop for women to learn different sewing skills (i.e. basic sewing, quilting, using a sewing machine, etc).  Two superb volunteers taught a workshop for a group of 9 women with somewhat varied levels of experience and skill. Some had never used a machine and others were already talented seamstresses wanting to further their knowledge. 

Trainings like this, are very influential, not only because of the cultural exchange, but because of the increase in self-confidence. It truly is a delightful rarity to learn artistry from North American volunteers.  The trainings also support AMA’s devotion to sustainability, allowing participants to return to their communities and share new skills.  Advancing skills like these gives participants a way to support themselves financially.

Short discussions were had every morning involving concepts of dependency and the increased benefits of furthering one’s skills and knowledge instead of directly relying on other entities for advancement.  Group discussions are also a great way of promoting confidence.  Women’s groups create spaces of safety and promote transformation.  Encouraging women from different backgrounds to support one another develops a sense of camaraderie and sisterhood.  When people work together and are supportive of one another, advancement occurs at a much more efficient pace.

Strong networks of civic engagement are essential to superior economic performance, protection of common resources, sharing information, and reducing transaction costs.  Civic participation is also an important aspect of AMA ideology (involvement in communities, groups, schools, etc).  Women of AMA are urged to look for ways to give back to their communities and to create positive environments where learning and empowerment are encouraged.  We strengthen communities to build connections in order to mobilize local resources and direct energies toward future problem solving.  This will result in more effective programming, implementation, and significant long-term change. 

Attendants of the sewing workshop were incredibly proud of themselves and each other.  Everyone cooperated and shared in the achievements of others.  The joy on their faces and the gratitude for AMA staff and volunteers was absolutely apparent.  A participant named Juana stated, “I currently am experiencing joy and sadness.  I’m overjoyed at this rare opportunity I was so fortunate to experience this week, but sad because I now have to say goodbye.  This is something I will never forget.  From my heart, thank you.”

There are multiple approaches and agendas for reducing poverty, but we’ve found strategies based on capacity building, advocacy, and incentives to collective action to produce a lasting change. Those concerned with breaking the cycle of poverty are starting to challenge the prevailing and parochial assumptions about aid and are learning ways to instigate REAL change.  Guatemalans are not fragile individuals, incapable of overcoming their circumstances.  Alleviation of the effects of poverty on indigenous Guatemalan communities can happen by providing support, opportunities, and training geared toward independence.  Human beings, when given the chance, are capable of creating prosperity and a life ripe with dignity and respect for themselves and others.

(Group photo last day, after certificates

and gifts had been exchanged)