Explore our programs…

At Konojel, we ask the question, “What would happen if…”

…we work together to prevent malnutrition?

The Healthy Babies Program supports mothers in preventing malnutrition early in life.

Approximately one-third of children under the age of five in San Marcos live with chronic malnutrition. To help alleviate this challenge, we have developed Healthy Babies, a program for women and their children where education, practice, and support are the basis for well-nourished children, happy moms, and community well-being.

Your donation actively prevents the long-term effects of malnutrition.

 

  • We develop a methodology that gives mothers important information around pregnancy, nourishment, health and growth.  Through workshops, cooking classes, growth monitoring and support groups woman can gain knowledge, practice, trust community bonds and gain tools to build a successful development for them and their children.

  • Currently, we are working with 24 women who will have a positive impact on the well-being of 24 families. We are focusing on nourishment and healthy development as basic human rights.

  • We are planning to double our number of participants by the end of the year 2022.

…we support children’s education and opportunities?

The Young Leaders Program helps our Indigenous youth to complete their education and achieve their future professional goals.

Poverty causes many young people to drop out before completing their education.  In San Marcos, there is no high school, so only one-fourth of the children complete their high school education in another town. Some students do not even complete primary school. We motivate children to complete their education with our Young Leaders program, which provides academic scholarships and workshops in leadership and active community participation.

Your donation ensures students can finish primary and secondary education.

 

  • Young Leaders is a scholarship program to improve the academic and professional level of new generations through intensive training in the development of their capacities as changemakers. Participants receive monthly training workshops in various skills relevant to their context and goals. These include Critical Thinking, History of Guatemala, Mayan Identity, Food Sovereignty, Sex Education, Environmental Sustainability, Entrepreneurship, English as a Third Language, and Technology.

  • Currently, we are working with 12 girls who are supported for two years through a grant from the Terra Linda Rotary. Your donation can further support and extend their learning experience.

  • Our goal is to have at least 20 new Young Leaders scholarships in another two years.

…we create a tech space where learners could reach their full potential?

The Computer Lab supports learning through invaluable technology access in an impoverished region.

Konojel created our Community Center where the indigenous residents of San Marcos could find a place to learn, practice, feel safe, and create together. The Computer Lab works as the main technology center for education.

Your donations support student access to technology.

 

  • We provide free student access to computers, the internet, training sessions, workshops, and support related to technology.

  • Approximately 50 students from San Marcos la Laguna come every day to the computer center. Your donation supports their access to technology and the ability to complete school assignments.

  • We will offer free IT workshops at the Computer Center, including digital marketing, photo and video editing, programming and development, and community management.

…we share our results through food and community?

Visit the Konojel Restaurant, where we practice entrepreneurship with a sustainable social enterprise that promotes our work and supports our projects.

We have been a sustainable restaurant since 2017, increasing profits every year through the dedication and hard work of local women. All profits support Konojel’s programs. The flavors of our dishes, prepared with love and care, have been popular with our customers as Konojel has become one of the most important restaurants of San Marcos la Laguna.  Through popular dishes like pizza and pupusas, the Konojel Restaurant continues to support our programs.

Visit us in person to enjoy a pupusa in our vibrant community!

 

  • Operated by locals, for locals, all profits support Konojel’s programs.

    Based on natural, fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients, our menu is varied, colorful, healthy, and rich in important nutrients, vitamins, and minerals necessary for optimal health. This is how we stand out!

    Our products are made with a vegan and vegetarian base, some gluten-free, and all fresh and prepared daily! Try these:

    Artisan pizza, pupusas, burritos, rice and vegetable bowls, Guatemalan plate of the day, homemade desserts, and natural drinks.

  • We hire local people to support their lives and dreams. Currently, 9 Atitlán women are working with us. Ultimately, the entire Konojel and San Marcos la Laguna community benefits from this project.

  • Our team dreams of making the Konojel Restaurant brand bigger and expanding to more locations around the lake.

  • 300 meters up the main path from the municipal dock, on the left-hand side, across from Cafe Circles, just before the path turns to the right.