Information
Where does Quetzaltrekkers work:
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Quetzaltrekkers
Quetzaltenango, Guatemala
Quetzaltrekkers is an all-volunteer run non-profit trekking organization offering exciting and challenging excursions in the highlands of Guatemala.
We were founded in 1995 as a self-sustainable, grassroots fund-raising organization for Escuela de la Calle (EDELAC), a school for street children in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala.
With income from the Quetzaltrekkers EDELAC provides over 175 children with a very low fee comprehensive K-6 education, and maintains a free 24/7 dormitory for Quetzaltenango children at risk. The dormitory, Hogar Abierto, offers a safe, abuse-free environment for children that either lack families capable of providing care or have families living outside of a district in which basic education is available.
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Current Projects
Our major fund raising project at the moment is the Hogar Abierto Expansion Project (HAEP). Land has been purchased for 140,000 Q (about $18,180) close to our school and construction plans have been drawn up.
The new Hogar Abierto will be purpose built and allow EDELAC to save roughly 50,000 Q a year in rent. This money can then be used to help more children of the Quetzaltenango region. Ultimately we will have space for upto 33 children, doubling our current capacity.
Any money donated to Quetzaltrekkers/EDELAC through this profile is earmarked to be used in the HAEP. If you wish to donate money directly to EDELAC, to support the day to day costs of the organsation, please donate via EDELAC´s own profile on Omprakash - omprakash.org/partner_profile/p/226
Partner Needs
Obviously our major need is money for the construction of the new Hogar Abierto. However any in kind donations of high quality camping equipment are always welcome!
Financial Needs
Roughly $130,000 for the construction of the new Hogar Abierto.
In Kind Needs
Any donation of camping/outdoor equipment is greatly apprecisted, as these are incredibly difficult to get hold of in Guatemala. If you are able to bring items to Guatemala we can save both transportation costs and import duties.
Let us know in advance and we can provide you with a detailed list of current requirements. If you are operating in last second mode, bring sun cream (spf 30 or above), duct tape, ibuprofen, high quality headlamps (Petzl, Black Diamond, Princeton Tec), and batteries (AA and AAA).
Mission Statement
Quetzaltrekkers is the fund raising arm of EDELAC. We raise money by trekking. Tourists pay us to give them fabulous trekking experiences in the Guatemalan highlands; approximately two-thirds of the fees we collect is profit and 100% of it goes to EDELAC.
Roughly 90% of all EDELAC operating expenses are covered by the money Quetzaltrekkers raises from trekking.