Pantup, Guatemala

Pantup is a fairly recent community set up by two Guatemalan brothers, Jose and Rueben, who saw a need to help those who have not recovered from the pain of the civil war. During the unrest, families fled to the mountains only to return to nothing because their land and homes were taken over with no way to prove ownership. As a result, many families became displaced living in very poor conditions. Many of the men deserted their families, leaving the mothers to care and provide for their children.  Most of the women are illiterate, uneducated and only speak their indigenous language which prevented viable employment opportunities.