About Us

PAVA is the Spanish acronym for 'Programa de Ayuda a los Vecinos del Altiplano'--in English, 'Aid Program for Highland Communities.'

PAVA is a non-profit organization that works closely with rural communities in the Department of Chimaltenango, Guatemala to achieve long-term sustainable development through community-based projects and programs. A full-time staff based in the bustling town of Chimaltenango, in the Department of Chimaltenango, manages PAVA's programs, providing technical expertise and coordination for infrastructure projects (including potable water systems, bridge construction and school construction), as well as for ongoing programs in the areas of environment (including reforestation, appropriate technology and promotion of conservation and vegetable gardens), and education (including scholarship programs which allow rural Guatemalan children to finish high school and a professional development program for teachers to improve the quality of education in primary schools).

PAVA began work in 1983 in response to ongoing civil violence. Initially, PAVA provided emergency relief to isolated villages in Guatemala. Through PAVA's efforts, food, seed, and building materials reached over 90 hard-hit communities. PAVA took the lead in the country by conducting needs assessments in many areas most affected by the violence and was able to provide effective, focused assistance.

Soon afterward, PAVA began to work on development projects that offered these rural citizens longer-term solutions to problems affecting their communities. Starting with those initial villages, PAVA developed a working method of considering project proposals from various rural communities which sought specific assistance in order to achieve clearly-defined objectives. Along with representatives from these communities, PAVA planned and designed the proposed projects. For over twenty years, PAVA has met with much success by following the principle of community initiated proposals to foster community development and leadership in rural towns and villages in the Department of Chimaltenango. (In Guatemala, a 'department' is similar to a formal 'district' or 'state.') The U.S. PAVA Foundation was organized to support the ongoing work of PAVA Guatemala and became an official 501(c)3 non-profit organization in November 1986.

In every project and program, PAVA collaborates with its beneficiaries on the basis of respecting local initiative. In working with PAVA, communities learn that by taking the time to organize their efforts and follow through to completion, they can make a positive difference in their community.

The rural Guatemalan highland communities with which PAVA works often lack running water, secure road access and schools. Children are unable to continue their education beyond primary school. Conservation techniques, innovative gardening and introduction of appropriate technology all require education in order to be introduced successfully within the community. Without PAVA's collaboration, it would be difficult for these communities to realize their goals to improve their circumstances.

PAVA works under the established principle that all projects and programs are carried out at the specific request of the community. Village committees, organized by village leaders, alert PAVA to the needs of their community and request assistance.

The PAVA Foundation, a U.S. 501 (c) 3 organization, raises funds for use by the Guatemalan non-governmental organization, PAVA Guatemala. The U.S. PAVA Foundation is a volunteer organization which exists through the efforts of its board of directors. Since expenses are minimal, well over 90% of all funds contributed directly support PAVA beneficiaries through its projects and programs.

PAVA staff members coordinate their efforts with the communities in which they work. Developing positive relationships within these communities is a significant component of PAVA's work. As a result of PAVA's long-term commitment to rural development, residents of these communities are motivated to support initiatives which will improve their villages for the benefit of all, knowing that these projects will be completed and that programs will endure. PAVA strives to create a lasting impact upon the communities with which it partners.

In all of its work, PAVA actively collaborates with villagers in order to achieve their goals. Construction projects rely on community labor organized by town committees. Environmental programs rely on the continuing initiative and participation of villagers who run small tree nurseries, grow vegetable gardens and assume responsibility for installation of ONIL fuel-conserving stoves. Scholarship students and their parents are actively involved in a year-round support program run by the PAVA Education coordinator, and sign annual 'contracts' which outline their specific responsibilities within the program. It is this active partnership between PAVA personnel and beneficiary communities that is a hallmark of the organization.