Izabal, Guatemala
Water Room Dedication and Celebration
PN 22-025
Ak’ Tenamit is a nonprofit organization based in Livingston, Guatemala, dedicated to empowering Indigenous Q’eqchi Maya communities. Founded in 1992, it provides education, healthcare, and sustainable development programs, all led by Indigenous
leadership. Through vocational training and community support, Ak’ Tenamit helps youth build brighter futures while preserving cultural heritage. At the time of our water purification system installation, there were over 800 students enrolled and over 600
students on campus.
Ak’ Tenamit is located in eastern Guatemala, along the Dulce River near Livingston in the department of Izabal. The site is accessible only by boat from the town of Río Dulce or from Livingston, making it a remote but vibrant hub for education and community
development.
Agua Viva International provided a volunteer team of two retired engineers and four college students from the University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC) ENACTUS program, along with our in-country leadership team to assist Ak’ Tenamit in the construction and health and hygiene education for the water purification system. The system was completed on August 22, 2025, bringing clean, safe, purified drinking water and health education to the campus.
The Agua Viva team, l to r, Wily (in-country lead installer), Alejandro (UMKC), Chris (UMKC), Karissa (in-country education), Leah (UMKC), Jordan (UMKC), Rob (volunteer), Marisol (in-country coordinator), Zenayda (in-country lead educator), Ricardo (in-country transportation/installer), Mario (in-country translator) and Jerry (volunteer)
