(ANS - San Pedro Carchá) - The Mesoamerican University of Guatemala (UMES), run by the Salesians of Don Bosco, has recently signed an agreement with the Talita Kumi Foundation to start a branch in San Pedro Carchá, in the department of Alta Verapaz.  Despite its limited experience, UMES has established itself as a quality university. In addition to its headquarters in the capital, it now has a thriving branch in the city of Quetzaltenango and another more recently in Amatitlán.

The Talita Kumi Foundation is a strong part of the missionary work of the Salesians in Carchá, northern Guatemala. In twenty years it has grown vigorously in its efforts to promote poor rural families, particularly those of indigenous peoples, and has spread to seven departments, with a presence in 1,200 rural communities, thanks to the work of 2,000 volunteers.

In the department of Alta Verapaz there are already several branches of the national universities. The Salesian university project, however, does not just add to the number. It brings something original by promoting the Talita Kumi Foundation, and for years it has promoted entrepreneurship.

In Alta Verapaz, UMES aims to educate the new generations as agents of community development and not just as professionals in the dominant socio-economic system. What looks like a utopian dream takes on the traits of reality when you consider the thousands of youth who have been educated in the entrepreneurial mindset in Talita Kumi (for women), and the Don Bosco Centre (for men).

In January 2015 they will start courses of five years’ duration at the Faculty of Business Administration.

The northern part of Guatemala, especially the department of Alta Verapaz, is characterized by a large proportion of the population in conditions of severe poverty, which is even worse for the large indigenous population. The courses offered by the new branch of UMES are aimed primarily at this disadvantaged group.

Published 28/10/2014