Philosophy, mission and values

Organizational philosophy

The philosophy of the Q’eqchi’ Association - Xch'ool Ixim is based on the traditional knowledge, principles and values of the Q’eqchi’ Maya culture, with a goal to strengthen identity and dignity. From this point, it carries out its activities, strengthening educational, productive, participatory and advocacy processes.

Our mission

We promote and generate the integration, promotion, and development of the Maya communities in the region, by strengthening the educational, productive, participatory, and advocacy processes based on the principles, values and knowledge of the culture.

Maya ceremony

Our vision

To be the Q’eqchi’ organization leading the autonomy and integral development of the Maya peoples in the region, rooted in their identity and dignity.

Our values

1. Practice of Mayan spirituality and promotion of their wisdom,

2. Respectful coexistence, cultural diversity and Mother Nature,

3. Permanent actions culturally relevant and meaningful to the community struggle,

4. Criticism, self-criticism and conscious common benefit proposals,

5. Maya Q'eqchi' Dignity and Identity,

6. Productive sovereignty and Mayan knowledge in all fields,

7. Perseverance and consistency between discourse and reality,

8. Autonomy and integral development of the Maya peoples, 

Strengthening of the Maya Q’eqchi’ Culture

The Q’eqchi’ Association Xch’ool Ixim has always aimed to maintain the ancestral knowledge and save the values that have been lost. This is why the association works to strengthen the Maya Q’eqchi’ culture.

The involvement of the elderly, the community leaders and spiritual guides forms a part of our actions. The association has a nominated figure “Chinam” to lead spiritual and cultural activities. A Chinam is a community leader who leads the cultural, social and spiritual activities during one year, this leader can also be seen as the “year carrier”. Besides this, there is a mayan altar that is analysed by the elderly from the communities in the region.

Thus far, there are groups of elderly that lead the cultural activities, that guide the youth of the region and promote the existing resources in the communities such as the use of music and sounds, harp, candles and the practice of the mayan ceremony.

Children's song in Q'eqchi' language

Written by the Coordinator of The Q’eqchi’ Association - Xchool Ixim as part of the Intercultural and Bilingual Education experience using the Q'eqchi' language.