Our partner Taa’Pi’t works with indigenous families in the Lake Atitlán region of Guatemala to reintroduce traditional foods, cooking techniques, and agricultural practices based on Ru Kuuyx qa Way qa Kuyaa, the Mayan expression for directing recognition, acceptance and gratitude to the vital energy that arrives in each home in the form of seeds, vegetables, fruits, and liquids. Here are the stories of Julia and Manuel, beneficiaries of Taa’ Pi’t projects. My name is Manuel Criado. Nowadays, I consider there are many problems because we feed ourselves inadequately. The children only want to eat sweet things and cereals in the...[ Read More ]

Many of the communities we support have suffered from the coronavirus pandemic and lockdowns that have closed economies and school systems. Our partners have been responding to address the evolving needs of these communities. Taa'Pi't, our partner based in San Pedro la Laguna, Guatemala, has started offering educational programs on nutrition and health through local television programs to reach families social distancing at home. The programs are offered in Spanish and the local language, Maya Tzutujil. You can read about the programs in the July newsletter from Taa'Pi't Director Juan Manuel, which we share below. (muchisimos gracias to Pangea member...[ Read More ]

Our partner Taa'Pi't works with indigenous families in the Lake Atitlán region of Guatemala to reintroduce traditional foods, cooking techniques and agricultural practices based on Ru Kuuyx qa Way qa Kuyaa, the Mayan expression for directing recognition, acceptance and gratitude to the vital energy that arrives in each home in the form of seeds, vegetables, fruits and liquids. Petrona Cocon is one of the women who benefited from this project and she shares her reflections here. The Taa’ Pi’t Ru Kuuyx qa Way qa Kuyaa (Essence of our Food and Drink) project has greatly influenced my life, both in health...[ Read More ]

In April, we reached out to our grant partners to offer our support and flexibility with their grant funds in an effort to support them during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of these strong community leaders have already responded, quickly pivoting their work to address community needs. Below are a few examples: Muditar in Myanmar has suspended Pangea-funded activities until June 1 when the stay at home order is expected to end. Instead, they are focusing the work of Village Development Teams (VDTs) in villages to set up temporary quarantine areas for migrants returning to the village; some are tarpaulin or...[ Read More ]

Chronic undernourishment in the Tzutujil Maya community of San Pedro la Laguna is significant, especially in young children. High rates of poverty and lack of access to nutritious foods contribute to this problem. In addition, studies indicate that the extensive use of synthetic chemical fertilizers is the main cause of contamination of nearby Lake Atitlan. Young Mayan girl works with instructor The vision of our new partner Communidad Intercultural Educativo Taa’Pi’t (Taa’Pi’t) is to help people consciously achieve their full potential and contribute to an empowered society that is comprehensively educated and productive, based on their ancestral Mayan culture and...[ Read More ]

On the evening of April 7th, the Pangea Giving community gathered to celebrate another successful year of grant-making. The Mount Baker Community Club provided a lovely venue for members and friends to reconnect over glasses of Washington wine and dishes of Syrian appetizers. In keeping with Pangea's concern for immigrants and displaced people, the event was catered by Project Feast, a local non-profit that provides pathways for refugees and immigrants to careers in the food industry. Board President Maryann Ness and Treasurer Mary Williamson reviewed 2018 and looked ahead to what 2019 will bring. Many of these details are reviewed...[ Read More ]