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I spent part of the summer in San Pedro, Guatemala on Lake Atitlán at the San Pedro Spanish School and volunteered in the Niños del Lago Program there. The children in the organization received the letters written at the end of the year by Middle School students in Spanish. They were interested in what they read and appreciative of the games and school supplies that were sent as a donation to their school. It was impressive to see how the social and educational assistance program there has been able to positively affect the lives of the children.

The experience was very beneficial and provided time to learn more about the local culture and gather photos, videos, and materials to share with students throughout the year.

Lake Atitlán is about a two and a half hour drive west of Guatemala City, the capital. Three volcanoes and several villages surround the large lake which is approximately 130 square kms. To reach the different towns along the shores inhabitants of the area travel across the lake in launches or have to use the rural roads to travel around the lake.

Tz’utujil, a dialect of Maya, is commonly spoken in the area around Lake Atitlán. Tz’utujil Maya are native to the area and are one of the 21 Maya ethnic groups that live in Guatemala.

Tourism is one of the main industries of the area. Travelers journey to the area to seek out its natural beauty. Consequently the commerce relating to tourism is becoming increasing prevalent. Other industries of the area include harvesting local foods such as coffee, beans, and corn, in addition to fishing, weaving, and the production of other indigenous crafts.

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