MILE 3 - GUATEMALA
In San Marcos La Laguna, I met an incredible young woman named Laura. Laura helps run a female-driven social enterprise called "Konojel" which aims to fight malnutrition in her community. Konojel is a for-profit restaurant and nonprofit community center. The name translates to "All Together" in English.
QUICK FACTS:
- More than 60% of indigenous families in and around Laura's village live on less than $2 per day (the measure of extreme poverty).
- The Konojel restaurant employs local women, providing them a salary and teaches them marketable skills: cooking, serving customers, and managing finances.
- The Konojel community center provides nutritious meals, educational enrichment, computer access and training to vulnerable families in the community.
- Women are encouraged to start microbusinesses, selling homemade goods and crafts, to increase their income.
- $52 provides a month of nutritious meals, educational support, and job training for one person at Konojel.
All donations directly benefit All Together Foundation, a US registered nonprofit that specifically supports the Konojel enterprises in Guatemala.