Community Service
Our program has always believed that investing in one person’s education has an impact on others, such as their family or community. With this in mind, we ask all our students to carry out a community service project each year they are in the program.
We lead the students step by step by to identify a problem in the community and a posible solution, clarify the project's goals, contact the people and organizations they need to work with and writing a clear report of their achievements.
The students themselves benefit by gaining practical knowledge that can serve them in their future careers, making important connections, and establishing themselves as future professionals. In some cases, students secure jobs at the organizations where they volunteer or are recommended by their host organizations to apply to other organizations.
The communities and organizations that host the volunteers also benefit from having people who contribute to the work they do. The organizations that can host our students are community-based organizations or public institutions that work for the benefit of their communities.
2025 community service projects
Cultivating Opportunities for Women
As part of her community service with SERJUS, Evelyn worked with two women’s groups in Concepción Chiquirichapa, strengthening their knowledge of growing and propagating food and medicinal plants. The project supported the propagation of 200 plants from eight species and the production of products such as jams and natural goods. Her work helped participants make better use of local resources, explore income-generating opportunities, and strengthen their economic independence.
Health and Well-Being in the Community
During his community service in the communities of Chicuz and Pantzimaaj, Alex Jor worked with families and community leaders to promote healthy habits and environmental care. As a Q’eqchi’ speaker, he conducted the activities in his mother tongue, strengthening trust and making learning more accessible. Through health and hygiene workshops, nutritious cooking demonstrations, and a community reforestation day, he shared practical knowledge adapted to local needs. The active participation of families turned the project into a collective effort to build healthier, more sustainable communities.
Community Gardens for Food Security
As part of her community service at the Municipal Garden in San Andrés Itzapa, Karla Azurdia who was completing her coursework in Agricultural Engineering, worked alongside a group of women to prepare, plant, and maintain crops for household consumption. Her agricultural knowledge allowed her to conduct a technical assessment of the garden, improve the layout of the planting beds, and provide guidance on planting and crop association. Her contribution strengthened the participants’ knowledge and supported better planning and use of the garden.
Education for Women’s Well-Being and Empowerment
As part of her community service, Ofelia Cocóm, a Social Work graduate and a native of the community, facilitated educational workshops for 28 women from Xepatuj Rabaric, Nahualá. The workshops addressed topics including self-esteem, self-care, sexual and reproductive health, and the prevention of violence against women. By conducting the workshops in *K’iche’* and drawing on her knowledge of the community, Ofelia created an environment of trust that encouraged participation and supported meaningful learning.
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Supporting Healthcare in the Community
As a Nursing Technician, Juana Riz completed her community service at the Permanent Care Center in San Pedro Jocopilas, where she supported healthcare staff in patient care and vaccination campaigns for children and pregnant women. She also assisted with childbirth care, wound treatment, and other activities at the center. Her participation helped streamline patient care and ease the workload of healthcare staff while strengthening her practical knowledge and skills.