OUR PROGRAMS
Economic Empowerment
OUR PROGRAMS
Economic
Empowerment
A thriving local economy means a thriving Santa Cruz
We teach technical skills and invest in local
businesses to strengthen the Santa Cruz economy.
A thriving local
economy means a
thriving Santa Cruz
We teach technical skills and
invest in local businesses to
strengthen the Santa
Cruz economy.
A COMMUNITY DREAM COME TRUE
CECAP Vocational
Training Center
CECAP was born out of a 2006 conversation with Santa Cruz community leaders about how best to grow the impoverished local economy. The few jobs available were low-paying manual labor, and women had next to no prospect of earning an income outside the home. The community wanted a center to provide pathways out of this poverty cycle. In 2010 CECAP opened its doors to provide just that.
A COMMUNITY DREAM COME TRUE
Cecap Vocational
Training Center
CECAP was born out of a 2006 conversation with Santa Cruz community leaders about how best to grow the impoverished local economy. The few jobs available were low-paying manual labor, and women had next to no prospect of earning an income outside the home. The community wanted a center to provide pathways out of this poverty cycle. In 2010 CECAP opened its doors to provide just that.
A Hub For Empowerment And Skill Development
Today, CECAP not only houses Amigos’ program offices, businesses and community meetings, it also houses
training for over 200 students each year in culinary arts, carpentry, weaving, and many more trades. Skilled
graduates find employment across Lake Atitlán and within Amigos’ social enterprise businesses.
We Provide The Children Of
Santa Cruz With A
Strong Foundation For Learning.
Today, CECAP not only houses Amigos’ program offices, businesses and community meetings, it also houses training for over 200 students each year in culinary arts, carpentry, weaving, and many more trades. Skilled graduates find employment across Lake Atitlán and within Amigos’ social enterprise businesses.
STORIES OF CHANGE
Meet Lucas Santos García
CECAP GRADUATE
“With all the knowledge I have gained at CECAP, now I am able to
finally lead up a building project.”
Lucas’ story is one of difficulty and hardship, but also hope. After his father’s passing and his mother’s struggle to find regular work, Lucas became the breadwinner for his mother and younger sister at 13. Despite dropping out of formal schooling, he found regular work as a gardener, but he yearned to learn new skills. In 2021, he signed up for CECAP’s Beginner Carpentry Course, completed every module with perfect attendance, and earned the highest marks in the class. Now, he uses his carpentry skills to earn extra income by making small tables and shelves, ensuring his family has three solid meals each day.
STORIES OF CHANGE
Meet Lucas Santos
García
“With all the knowledge I have gained
at CECAP, now I am able to finally lead
up a building project.”
Lucas’ story is one of difficulty and hardship, but also hope. After his father’s passing and his mother’s struggle to find regular work, Lucas became the breadwinner for his mother and younger sister at 13. Despite dropping out of formal schooling, he found regular work as a gardener, but he yearned to learn new skills. In 2021, he signed up for CECAP’s Beginner Carpentry Course, completed every module with perfect attendance, and earned the highest marks in the class. Now, he uses his carpentry skills to earn extra income by making small tables and shelves, ensuring his family has three solid meals each day.
IGNITING THE POWER WITHIN
Women’s Empowerment
Program
Amigos supports local indigenous women who are redefining traditional gender roles and creating their own business opportunities. For women who have never attended school and speak little Spanish, the ability to earn an income for the first time is life-changing. Our staff collaborates with indigenous women to identify business opportunities, train participants, and provide long-term technical assistance.
IGNITING THE POWER WITHIN
Women’s Empowerment
Program
Amigos supports local indigenous women who are redefining traditional gender roles and creating their own business opportunities. For women who have never attended school and speak little Spanish, the ability to earn an income for the first time is life-changing. Our staff collaborates with indigenous women to identify business opportunities, train participants, and provide long-term technical assistance.
Investing in women has a multiplying effect that results in
greater reinvestment in the home and the local economy.
Our holistic approach empowers women both inside and outside the home through
integrated programming on nutrition, domestic violence, and political participation, in
addition to small business development.
Investing In Women Has A
Multiplying Effect That
Results In Greater
Reinvestment In The Home
And The Local Economy.
Our holistic approach empowers women
both inside and outside the home through
integrated programming on nutrition,
domestic violence, and political
participation, in addition to small business
development.
A THRIVING LOCAL ECONOMY
Amigos’ Social Businesses
Through our collective efforts and community training initiatives, we’ve successfully established two
locally-driven social businesses. Whether through purchasing their products, volunteering, or spreading
the word, there are countless ways to get involved with these enterprises.
A THRIVING LOCAL ECONOMY
Amigos’ Social Businesses
Through our collective efforts and community training initiatives, we’ve successfully established two
locally-driven social businesses. Whether through purchasing their products, volunteering, or spreading
the word, there are countless ways to get involved with these enterprises.
.
.
Join The Impact
.
.
Join The Impact