As partners manage projects, they gain valuable experience, confidence, and the necessary skills help develop future water systems without help from outside agencies. Communities are involved in project planning and decision-making, which nurtures a sense of ownership for completed projects. Association Maya is a women's commercial enterprise of about 280 women from five villages, whose main product is backstrap woven materials made into products for export sale. The objective of the WFP project is to help these women fulfill their community goal of improving the water systems, sanitation, and health in their villages. The project includes four-year training of two women to become health promoters, and health education sessions with more than 30 villages.
Health professionals are rare in rural Guatemala.
Most doctors, nurses and health promoters live and work in the urban areas where salaries are higher and supplies are available. Rural areas, therefore, have little to no access to health care services or providers. The school is in Chimaltenango. This project's intent is to equip students with the health expertise needed to help community members live healthier and longer lives. In addition to student scholarships, the project will supply funding to reproduce classroom materials and create a library for community reference.