WHO WE ARE
We are a non-profit, secular, apolitical organization working since 1987 as a legal entity under governmental decree 725-87 on development issues in Guatemala. Our objective is to continue to provide our best contribution towards a prosperous, fair and respectful society. We seek out opportunities for all; working in the poorest areas of the country, particularly supporting vulnerable families and communities.
Our work is based on a participative methodology working in close relation with organized groups and local partners in rural communities of Guatemala. We develop instruction programs in health and nutrition, education, agriculture and food production, administration and finance, as well as developing sustainable projects. We also assist and implement risk mitigation programs in localities that have been affected by natural disasters.
HISTORY
In 1986, a group of philanthropic minded people from Guatemala and World SHARE, Inc. met in order to explore the possibility of initiating community assistance programs based on the principle of “SHARING”, so that, by providing more self-help opportunities for needy families and communities, they could improve their well-being and progress with dignity.
As a result, SHARE Guatemala was born on September 1, 1987, and started development programs supported by World SHARE, USAID and the World Bank. These programs consisted of: mother-child health and nutrition; rural infrastructure programs, which included reforestation, natural resource management and conservation programs; roads access improvement; school and latrine building, and access to drinking water; as well as a program that provided credit and funds to women.
By 1995, SHARE Guatemala had its own board of directors and had designed and developed a project called the Integrated Rural Development Program (Programa de Desarollo Rural Integrado – PDRI), parting ways with the previously established objective of development and self-help.
The components for this program were: family health and nutrition, improved management of family resources, and community organization.
In the year 2000, The Rural Development Program was implemented with the following components: improved family health and nutrition, improved family income generation, education, strengthening of local governance and Food for Work.
Currently, SHARE Guatemala works in the areas of human development, entrepreneurial/small business development, risk management, health services and “Voluntourism”, throughout all of which education, food security, microcredit, risk management, family health clinics and socially minded tourism programs are implemented.
PHILOSOPHY
Our Vision:
We are an international organization headquartered in Guatemala, self-sustaining, leading the drive toward sustainable development, with integrity, humanity and constant learning and improvement. We are recognized for the excellence of the services and products we provide, and influence the changing lives of those we work with to promote a prosperous and equitable society.
Our Mission:
To provide our participants, clients and sponsors with excellent services in order to drive opportunities for participative and sustainable development, as well as provide assistance in emergencies; so that those who are most vulnerable are capable of improving their standard of living.
Values:
• Service
• Excellence
• Integrity
• Belief in Human Potential
• Solidarity
