Quetzaltenango, in the west of Guatemala, is notable for its wealth of natural resources, in the form of lakes, lagoons, mountains, volcanoes, rivers and other landforms, and its diversity of ethnic cultures. However, the region’s low levels of social and economic development mean that 80% of its inhabitants live in conditions of poverty; and of those, a high proportion live in conditions of extreme poverty.

The objective of the work camp in Guatemala is to promote capacity-building activities and train local health agents in order to meet the healthcare needs of local communities. The project aims to have a direct impact on nutrition problems, recovery strategies, geriatric care, bronchial and respiratory conditions, and more.

Throughout the academic year, students have been preparing for the work camp with personal and professional training sessions. They have also participated in activities to fund the project, such as selling “roses for solidarity” on St. George’s Day.

The work camp is organized in collaboration with the Foundation for the Comprehensive Development of Socioeconomic Programmes (FUNDAP), which has been helping some of Guatemala’s poorest rural communities for more than 25 years.

The project has also received help from Hospital Asil de Granollers, which has donated material for use in the work camp.