Photography Preserving Way of Life in Las Mangas and El Pital

Created in the year 2000 after Hurricane Mitch by Fotokids, a non-profit in Guatemala, Guaruma offers classes in environmental studies, nature photography, English, and computer skills pursuing the goal that its students will become leaders in their communities who are able to make informed and responsible decisions when it comes to development and nature. For example, in classes on the environment, students learn about the importance of biodiversity, and in the photography course they have the chance to explore the nearby forest documenting the various species of the watershed.

Camilo Lopéz, 18, has been with Guaruma since 2003 and says, "Through photography I can teach others around the world how and where I live. As I understand it, the environment classes, conservation activities, and photography all promote conservation." This marriage between artistic expression and science means that students are developing creativity and communication skills while learning about nature. Camilo adds, "I think differently as a result of photography. With a camera I'm always thinking about how to turn what I am seeing into photos."

Guaruma is not limited to older students, instead we put technology in the hands of kids as young as 11 knowing that environmental education takes time. Younger students like 4th grader Fernando Lobo - the student eagerly knocking on my door at sunrise – may not yet understand how photography can promote conservation, but when asked what he has learned during his first year with Guaruma he smiles and says, "I've learned to use computers and cameras, not to throw trash in the street, and to not eat during class." This is a start in a long process that eventually leads to the best students assuming leadership positions within the organization.

In a program called Guaruma Plus, more advanced students turn the kids' photos into postcards and calendars that generate revenue for Guaruma's scholarship program, which this year supported nineteen students in middle and high school.

Guaruma Plus also designs logos, posters, and brochures for private businesses, which allows the students to earn some income and involves them in supporting our mission.

This extra responsibility also gives students a new perspective. Camilo says, "As a student you're taking photos, but as part of Guaruma Plus I am more worried about the others, like a teacher, because I am designing the calendars and postcards."

I asked Camilo what he envisioned for the future of Las Mangas. "When Guaruma's students are making decisions the community will change a lot. According to my vision, we can preserve our customs and way of life while continuing with our conservation efforts."

Guaruma focuses its education on local youth, rather than targeting adults directly. Francisco Cabañas Cadillo, Guaruma's executive director says about this strategy that the students "educate their parents indirectly" and that "in the future, when these youth are parents, it will be them who educate their kids."

Maria Lobo, the local kindergarten teacher, shares this vision of students as community leaders and educators and says, "My dream is that the local youth will someday direct the project." She says that Guaruma has already affected change in Las Mangas by raising the level of environmental consciousness and adds that as a result of Guaruma's efforts, "The kids see life differently; through photography they can see dreams realized, and the computer classes open doors."

Guaruma mostly supports its programs through the generosity of individual donors, non-profits such as the Global Fund for Children, and foreign governmental organizations such as the Inter-America Foundation.