Impact Spotlight

10 kW of battery backed solar installed in a remote Kaq'chikel Maya community

$5,000 saved annually, financing workforce development for future installation programs

Two additional installations to bring reliable electricity access to a preschool and elementary school.

About

Nestled on the slopes of Lake Atitlán, the seven villages of Santa Cruz La Laguna are accessible only by boat or rudimentary roads. Consequently, the 9,000 Kaq'chikel Maya who reside there have been largely isolated from the educational and economic opportunities found in larger towns. The community faces high unemployment, low wages, and gender disparities. Drop-out rates are especially high for young women and girls due to inadequate facilities, underqualified teachers, and socioeconomic pressure.

In response to these disparities, Santa Cruz community leaders came together and formed the Amigos de Santa Cruz Foundation, an organization aimed at improving the lives of the Indigenous people of Santa Cruz and surrounding villages through education and sustainable economic empowerment. Since their inception, Amigos has provided vocational training for over 3,000 people. Their women’s empowerment program trains 50+ local women annually which has led to the establishment of 13 women-owned businesses. Amigos also provides scholarships for local youth and has even piloted a solar installation vocational center, leading to 85% of graduates finding jobs in the solar industry. Ultimately, Amigos' investment in education combined with a motivated young population has catalyzed generational change for the entire region.

“By embracing solar energy, we demonstrate leadership and commitment to the environment and inspire others. We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and creating a healthier community. The future of our lake, Lake Atitlán, requires it.”

— Estela Simaj, Director of Economic Programs (and community member) Amigos de Santa Cruz

HF Partnership

The Honnold Foundation’s partnership with Amigos de Santa Cruz has grown through three stages of community-driven investment in solar energy for remote Kaq'chikel Maya communities.It began with a locally led project to bring battery-backed solar to villages long burdened by an unreliable, coal-dependent grid.

In 2024, the partnership expanded with a multiyear commitment to power a new school serving 150 Mayan students—creating not just access to clean energy, but a hub for environmental learning and digital opportunity. In 2025, we renewed our support once more, backing the community’s vision for continued growth, resilience, and lasting impact through solar.