Former BTS Interns working with our partners at the Mesoamerican Permaculture Institute, the New Hope Foundation, and the Rabinal Community Legal Clinic. Apply to be a BTS Intern Applications for the Atlantic Council for International Cooperation’s (ACIC) International Youth Internship Program will open in early February — and BTS [...]
After several days spent with IMAP (the Mesoamerican Permaculture Institute) learning about permaculture, traditional and ancestral agricultural practices and how food sovereignty is being developed at the community level in Guatemala, our visit to the CCDA (Campesino Committee of the Highlands) was a chance to situate our learning within the [...]
A Coffee That Cries for Justice: Solidarity with Guatemala’s Campesinos It is Monday, November 3, and the air is thick with the aroma of coffee, not just any ordinary coffee, but one that cries for solidarity and justice. Our group is here to visit the Campesino Committee of the Highlands [...]
Day 2 of the BTS Delegation Today, we left Guatemala City first thing in the morning and headed for Lake Atitlan. The drive in our mini bus was fast and furious while taking in 4 hours of breathtaking views and sneak peeks into the life of Guatemalans. We drove by [...]
Stepping outside this morning, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath to smell the strong, rich smell of the earth after the gardens were watered by IMAP employees. I felt the heat on my face and heard the birds singing, a true enrichment of senses. If I could [...]
Today began with traditional foods grown in the area. This included eggs with amaranth leaves, watermelon, papaya, black beans, chili sauce, and tortillas—always delicious and never disappoints! The director of IMAP, Ines, joined us and spoke about the energy of the day (Noj) and how wisdom and knowledge was what [...]
After arriving in Guatemala City on October 26 and settling into our accommodations, we enjoyed a much-needed night’s rest. The next morning for breakfast we were served fresh tortillas, eggs, and beans. Following breakfast, we set out to Casa de la Memoria, a deeply moving experience and a place dedicated [...]
BTS Intern, Georgia working at the IMAP offices in San Lucas Tolíman. Intern update: Reflections on my time at IMAP ~ reverse culture shock and how you can get to know a person through translating their words (not in that order) When I began what affectionately became known [...]
The Atitlán and Tolimán volcanoes, towering over IMAP fields. Putting in the Work for the Sake of the Trees By: Georgia Sachs, Mesoamerican Permaculture Institute (IMAP) Intern I understand that I am the first person in the BTS network to spend substantial time at the Mesoamerican Permaculture Institute [...]
Monday May 13, 2024 A Day Spent With Mother Earth Today started off with an omelette español and watermelon juice for breakfast, it was delicious! Then off we went to IMAP. What an amazing day today was, so much learning & so many fun tips and tricks to take back [...]
